観測

• Reading: かんそく
• Romaji: kansoku
• Kanji breakdown: 観 (kan) — to watch, to observe; 測 (soku) — to measure, to survey
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Observation; measurement; monitoring. The act of systematically watching, measuring, or recording natural phenomena for scientific purposes.

A core term across all natural sciences: 天文観測 (astronomical observation), 気象観測 (meteorological observation), 地震観測 (seismic monitoring). Implies a systematic, instrument-aided process rather than casual watching (for which 観察 is more appropriate). 観測データ (observational data) is fundamental to empirical science. In quantum mechanics, 観測問題 (the measurement problem) and 観測者効果 (observer effect) are important concepts. The verb form is 観測する.

Examples

1. ハッブル宇宙望遠鏡による観測は、宇宙の膨張速度に関する重要なデータを提供してきた。 Observations by the Hubble Space Telescope have provided important data on the rate of expansion of the universe.
2. 気象庁は全国に設置された観測網を通じて、リアルタイムで気象データを収集している。 The Japan Meteorological Agency collects meteorological data in real time through an observation network installed across the country.
3. 量子力学では、系を観測する行為そのものが系の状態を変化させるという問題がある。 In quantum mechanics, there is the problem that the very act of observing a system changes the state of that system.

Usage Guide

Context: astronomy, meteorology, physics, earth sciences, scientific research

Tone: technical, neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 観 (kan) — to watch, to observe + 測 (soku) — to measure, to survey. The compound appears in pre-Meiji Japanese but was reinforced and systematised during the Meiji-era introduction of Western science, particularly astronomy and meteorology.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated