熟読する

• Reading: じゅくどくする
• Romaji: jukudoku suru
• Kanji breakdown: 熟 (juku) — ripen, mature, thoroughly; 読 (doku) — read
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑɯ.kɯ.do.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To read carefully; to read thoroughly. To study a text with close attention to detail.

A suru-verb combining the noun 熟読 with する. Implies reading something slowly, attentively, and with deep comprehension — the opposite of skimming or speed-reading. Often used for contracts, academic papers, instruction manuals, and important documents. Common patterns include 熟読する (to read carefully), 熟読を重ねる (to read carefully multiple times), and 規約を熟読する (to read the terms carefully).

Examples

1. 契約書は署名する前に熟読してください。 Please read the contract carefully before signing.
2. 彼女は受験前に教科書を何度も熟読した。 She carefully read her textbooks many times before the entrance exam.
3. 取扱説明書を熟読してから機械を操作した。 I thoroughly read the instruction manual before operating the machine.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, business, legal

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 熟 (juku, ripen/mature/thoroughly) + 読 (doku, read). Literally 'mature reading' — reading in a thorough, fully considered manner.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated