考察する

• Reading: こうさつする
• Romaji: kousatsu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 考 (kō) — think, consider; 察 (satsu) — inspect, observe, surmise
• Pronunciation: /koː.sa.tsɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To investigate; to examine; to consider carefully. A thorough, analytical examination of a topic.

A する verb for deep, systematic thinking and analysis. More scholarly and methodical than 考える (to think/consider). Standard in academic papers, research reports, and critical analysis. The noun form 考察 frequently appears as a section heading in research papers. Common phrases: 考察を加える (to add analysis), 考察を深める (to deepen analysis).

Examples

1. 実験データをもとに結果を考察した。 We analyzed the results based on the experimental data.
2. この問題についてさまざまな角度から考察する必要がある。 We need to examine this issue from various angles.
3. 論文の考察部分で新たな仮説を提示した。 A new hypothesis was presented in the analysis section of the paper.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, research, critical analysis

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 考 (think, consider) + 察 (inspect, observe, surmise). Together they mean to think carefully while observing — a thorough investigation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated