To pursue the underlying truth or essence of a subject through thorough investigation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To investigate the truth or essence of something deeply.
- Commonly used in academic, research, or formal investigative contexts.
- Focuses on deep intellectual or analytical exploration.
Overview
- 1概要：「追究する」は、物事の根源や本質を突き止めるために、深く掘り下げて探求する姿勢を表す言葉です。単に表面的な事実を確認するだけでなく、その背景にある理由や真実を徹底的に明らかにしようとする強い意志が含まれます。2) 使用パターン：「～を追究する」という形で目的語を取り、学問的なテーマや、責任の所在、理想のあり方などが対象となります。3) 一般的な文脈：大学での研究活動、企業の不祥事に対する原因究明、あるいは芸術家が自らの表現を極めようとする場面など、非常に真剣でフォーマルな文脈で頻繁に使用されます。4) 類語との比較：「追求（ついきゅう）」は利益や目的を追い求めること、「追及（ついきゅう）」は責任や過失を厳しく問いただすこと、「追究（ついきゅう）」は学問や真理を深く探ることに重点が置かれます。読み方は全て同じですが、漢字によって目的が明確に異なります。
Examples
彼は真理を追究する研究者だ。
academicHe is a researcher who pursues the truth.
責任の所在を厳しく追究する。
formalThoroughly investigate where the responsibility lies.
理想の音を追究し続ける。
informalContinuing to pursue the ideal sound.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
真理の追究
pursuit of truth
徹底的な追究
thorough investigation
Often Confused With
Refers to chasing after goals, dreams, or profit. It is about attainment rather than deep investigation.
Refers to questioning someone's responsibility or fault. It is more confrontational.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word primarily in formal or academic settings. It is considered a sophisticated term that implies deep focus. Avoid using it in casual, everyday conversation about simple activities.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is using the wrong kanji. Many students confuse 追究 with 追求, which changes the meaning from investigation to chasing a goal. Ensure the context matches the kanji.
Tips
Remember the Kanji character '究'
The kanji 究 is also used in 研究 (research). This helps you remember that 追究 is about deep investigation.
Watch out for homophones
Be careful not to mix up 追求, 追及, and 追究. They sound identical but have different kanji meanings.
Academic rigor in Japan
In Japanese academic culture, 追究 is a highly valued trait. It shows dedication and seriousness toward a specific field.
Word Origin
The word combines 追 (chase) and 究 (study/investigate). Together, they mean to chase after the depth of knowledge.
Cultural Context
The concept of 追究 is central to Japanese artisan and academic culture. It represents the 'shokunin' (craftsman) spirit of never being satisfied with surface knowledge.
Memory Tip
Think of '究' as in '研究' (research). If you are doing research, you are '追究' (pursuing the deep truth).
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「追求」は利益や夢を追いかけること、「追及」は犯人や責任を問い詰めること、「追究」は学問や真理を深く探ることを意味します。漢字の使い分けが非常に重要です。
研究論文、ビジネスでの原因解明、哲学的な議論など、硬い文脈で使用するのが一般的です。日常会話で使うと少し堅苦しい印象を与えます。
基本的には真理を求めるという前向きな姿勢を表しますが、責任の所在を徹底的に明らかにするという文脈では、対象者にとって厳しい状況を指すこともあります。
Test Yourself
学者は長年、生命の起源を___し続けた。
学問的な探求には「追究」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
To pursue the underlying truth or essence of a subject through thorough investigation.
- To investigate the truth or essence of something deeply.
- Commonly used in academic, research, or formal investigative contexts.
- Focuses on deep intellectual or analytical exploration.
Remember the Kanji character '究'
The kanji 究 is also used in 研究 (research). This helps you remember that 追究 is about deep investigation.
Watch out for homophones
Be careful not to mix up 追求, 追及, and 追究. They sound identical but have different kanji meanings.
Academic rigor in Japan
In Japanese academic culture, 追究 is a highly valued trait. It shows dedication and seriousness toward a specific field.
Examples
3 of 3彼は真理を追究する研究者だ。
He is a researcher who pursues the truth.
責任の所在を厳しく追究する。
Thoroughly investigate where the responsibility lies.
理想の音を追究し続ける。
Continuing to pursue the ideal sound.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
