掘り起こす

• Reading: ほりおこす
• Romaji: horiokosu
• Kanji breakdown: 掘 (ho) — dig; 起 (oko) — raise, rouse, bring up
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɾi.o.ko.sɯ/

Meaning

To dig up; to unearth; to bring to light; to discover hidden talent or information.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 掘る (horu, dig) + 起こす (okosu, rouse/bring up). The literal sense is digging something out of the ground. Figuratively, it means unearthing buried truths, forgotten history, or undiscovered talent (新人を掘り起こす, discover new talent; 問題を掘り起こす, unearth a problem). Often implies bringing something hidden into public awareness.

Examples

1. 考古学者が古墳を発掘し、貴重な遺物を掘り起こした。 Archaeologists excavated a burial mound and unearthed precious artefacts.
2. 彼女は地方の埋もれた職人を掘り起こし、全国に紹介してきた。 She has been unearthing overlooked craftspeople from the regions and introducing them to a national audience.
3. 過去の不正を掘り起こす報道が社会に衝撃を与えた。 Investigative reporting that unearthed past misconduct sent shockwaves through society.

Usage Guide

Context: archaeology, journalism, talent scouting, history

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 掘る (to dig) + 起こす (to raise up/rouse). The combination emphasises both the act of digging into the ground and the act of lifting what is found back to the surface—a sense of active retrieval rather than passive discovery.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated