Historical materials are the essential evidence used by historians to reconstruct the past.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Primary evidence used for historical research.
- Includes documents, artifacts, and records.
- Essential for verifying past events.
概要
史料（しりょう）とは、歴史を研究する際に用いるあらゆる証拠のことです。文字で書かれた文書だけでなく、日記、地図、写真、さらには考古学的な遺物なども含まれます。歴史家はこれらを分析することで、過去に何が起きたのかを客観的に再構成しようと試みます。
使用パターン
「史料を読み解く」「史料に基づいた研究」「史料を収集する」といった動詞と組み合わせて使われることが一般的です。学術的な文脈で頻繁に登場し、歴史的事実の信憑性を議論する際に重要な役割を果たします。
類語との比較
「資料」という言葉と混同しやすいですが、「資料」はデータや情報全般を指すのに対し、「史料」は歴史研究に特化した証拠資料を指します。また「文献」は文字で書かれたものに限定されますが、「史料」は遺物なども含めるため、より広い概念と言えます。
Examples
この史料には当時の生活が詳しく書かれている。
everydayThis historical document describes the life of that time in detail.
新しい史料の発見により、歴史の定説が覆った。
formalThe discovery of new historical materials overturned the established theory.
図書館で史料を調べている。
informalI am looking up historical sources at the library.
史料批判を通じて、著者の意図を分析する。
academicAnalyze the author's intent through historical source criticism.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
史料的価値
historical value
史料編纂
compilation of historical documents
史料調査
historical source investigation
Often Confused With
Refers to general materials, data, or references. It is not limited to history.
Refers specifically to written documents or literature. It does not include archaeological artifacts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in academic, formal, or intellectual contexts. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless discussing history. Ensure you use the character '史' to specifically denote historical relevance.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse it with '資料' because they sound identical. Remember that '史' (history) is the key differentiator. Avoid using it to refer to simple handouts or work materials.
Tips
Contextualize historical materials
Always check the background of the author or creator when interpreting historical documents. Understanding the perspective helps in analyzing the reliability of the source.
Distinguish from general materials
Do not confuse '史料' (historical source) with '資料' (general data). Using the wrong kanji in a formal paper can change the meaning entirely.
Importance of primary sources
In Japanese historical studies, '一次史料' (primary sources) are highly valued for their direct connection to the event. They are considered the gold standard for research.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '史' (history) and '料' (material/stuff). It literally means 'materials for history'.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the study of '史料' is deeply tied to the preservation of national archives. It reflects a culture that highly respects traditional records and historical continuity.
Memory Tip
Think of '史' as the 'history' character (from 歴史). When you see '史料', imagine an old scroll or artifact used to tell a story from the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions資料は一般的な情報やデータを指す広い言葉です。一方、史料は歴史研究のための証拠となるものに限定されます。
はい、含まれます。近現代の歴史研究において、写真は当時の状況を伝える重要な視覚的史料として扱われます。
図書館や公文書館、博物館などで閲覧可能です。近年ではデジタルアーカイブ化され、インターネットで公開されているものも増えています。
「しりょう」と読みます。「資料」と同じ読み方ですが、漢字が異なるため文脈で判断します。
Test Yourself
この研究は、古い手紙という貴重な___に基づいている。
歴史的研究の証拠となるため、史料が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Historical materials are the essential evidence used by historians to reconstruct the past.
- Primary evidence used for historical research.
- Includes documents, artifacts, and records.
- Essential for verifying past events.
Contextualize historical materials
Always check the background of the author or creator when interpreting historical documents. Understanding the perspective helps in analyzing the reliability of the source.
Distinguish from general materials
Do not confuse '史料' (historical source) with '資料' (general data). Using the wrong kanji in a formal paper can change the meaning entirely.
Importance of primary sources
In Japanese historical studies, '一次史料' (primary sources) are highly valued for their direct connection to the event. They are considered the gold standard for research.
Examples
4 of 4この史料には当時の生活が詳しく書かれている。
This historical document describes the life of that time in detail.
新しい史料の発見により、歴史の定説が覆った。
The discovery of new historical materials overturned the established theory.
図書館で史料を調べている。
I am looking up historical sources at the library.
史料批判を通じて、著者の意図を分析する。
Analyze the author's intent through historical source criticism.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More history words
歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
滅ぼす
A2To destroy, to ruin, or to annihilate (transitive form of 滅びる).
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
〜世紀
A2A suffix indicating a specific century.
攻撃する
A2To attack, to assault, or to make an offensive.
人物
A2A person, especially one of importance or character.
興る
A2To rise, to originate, or to come into being (e.g., a state, a power).
歴史的な
B1Relating to history; significant in history.
その頃
A2At that time, around that time, or back then.
王朝
A2A succession of rulers from the same family.
