観察

• Reading: かんさつ
• Romaji: kansatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 観 (kan) — view, contemplate; 察 (satsu) — inspect, examine
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.sa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Observation; survey. Carefully watching and examining something over time.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (観察する). Implies systematic, careful watching rather than casual looking. Used in scientific contexts (自然観察, nature observation), education (観察日記, observation diary), and daily life. Common in school assignments where students must observe plants, insects, or weather over a period of time.

Examples

1. 子供たちが虫の観察をしている。 The children are observing insects.
2. 患者の様子を注意深く観察した。 I carefully observed the patient's condition.
3. 星の観察には暗い場所がいい。 A dark location is best for stargazing.

Usage Guide

Context: science, school, nature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 観 (kan, to view/contemplate) and 察 (satsu, to inspect/examine). Together, 'contemplative examination' — viewing something with careful, analytical attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal