取材する

• Reading: しゅざいする
• Romaji: shuzaisuru
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (shu/to) — take, gather; 材 (zai) — material, lumber, talent
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.za.i.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To gather information; to cover a story; to interview. To collect material for reporting or writing.

A suru verb central to journalism and media. It covers the entire process of researching, interviewing, and gathering material for a news story or article. The noun 取材 is also very common, as in 取材を受ける (to be interviewed). Distinguished from インタビュー by its broader scope — 取材 includes background research, not just the interview itself.

Examples

1. 記者が事件の現場で取材している。 A reporter is covering the incident at the scene.
2. 有名な作家に取材する機会を得た。 I got the opportunity to interview a famous author.
3. 取材のためにその地域を一週間歩き回った。 I walked around the area for a week gathering material for the story.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, media, writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 取 (shu, take/gather) + 材 (zai, material/ingredients) + する. Literally 'to gather material,' originally referring to collecting raw material and now primarily used for journalistic information gathering.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal