捜査

• Reading: そうさ
• Romaji: sousa
• Kanji breakdown: 捜 (sou) — to search, to look for; 査 (sa) — to investigate, to inspect
• Pronunciation: /soː.sa/

Meaning

Criminal investigation; inquiry. The process of searching for evidence and suspects.

A noun and suru-verb referring specifically to criminal investigations conducted by police or prosecutors. Common collocations include 捜査する (to investigate), 捜査本部 (investigation headquarters), and 捜査員 (investigator). Not to be confused with 調査 (research/survey) which is broader in scope.

Examples

1. 警察が事件の捜査を進めている。 The police are moving forward with the investigation of the case.
2. 捜査の結果、新しい手がかりが見つかった。 As a result of the investigation, a new lead was found.
3. 大規模な捜査が行われたが、犯人はまだ見つからない。 A large-scale investigation was conducted, but the culprit still hasn't been found.

Usage Guide

Context: law, news, crime

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 捜 (to search, to look for) and 査 (to investigate, to inspect). Together they mean a thorough search and investigation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal