調査

• Reading: ちょうさ
• Romaji: chousa
• Kanji breakdown: 調 (chou) — investigate, tune; 査 (sa) — inspect, examine
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.sa/

Meaning

Investigation; survey; research. Systematic examination to establish facts or gather information.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (調査する). Used in formal and professional contexts: 市場調査 (market research), 原因を調査する (to investigate the cause), アンケート調査 (questionnaire survey). More formal and systematic than 調べる (to look into). Common in news, academic, and business settings.

Examples

1. 事故の原因を調査している。 They are investigating the cause of the accident.
2. アンケート調査の結果が発表された。 The results of the questionnaire survey were announced.
3. 警察が現場を詳しく調査した。 The police investigated the scene in detail.

Usage Guide

Context: news, police, business

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 調 (chou, to investigate/tune) and 査 (sa, to inspect/examine). Together, 'to examine and inspect' — a thorough and methodical investigation. Both kanji carry the sense of careful scrutiny.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal