研究

• Reading: けんきゅう
• Romaji: kenkyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 研 (ken) — polish, sharpen, study; 究 (kyuu) — investigate, research, ultimate
• Pronunciation: /keŋ.kjɯː/

Meaning

Research; study; investigation. Systematic inquiry into a subject to discover new facts or principles.

Functions as a noun or する verb (研究する). Used broadly for academic research, scientific study, and even casual deep investigation of a topic. A 研究者 (kenkyuusha) is a researcher. Common in university and professional settings.

Examples

1. 大学で日本語の研究をしています。 I'm doing research on Japanese at university.
2. 新しい薬の研究が進んでいる。 Research on a new medicine is making progress.
3. 彼は歴史の研究者として有名です。 He is famous as a history researcher.

Usage Guide

Context: university, science, academics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 研 (ken, polish/sharpen) and 究 (kyuu, investigate thoroughly). The image is of polishing and refining knowledge through thorough investigation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal