Investigation and inspection with 査
査 means “to investigate” or “to clarify”. It is used when examining something in detail to uncover the truth or when verifying whether something is correct or incorrect by comparing it to a standard.
Etymology
This kanji is a phono-semantic compound comprised of 木 (wood) as the semantic component and 且 as the phonetic component, giving the on-reading サ. It originally referred to a wooden raft, before making a semantic shift from checking a constructed object piece by piece to examining things carefully.
Evaluations
検査 (Inspection)
検査 refers to the careful examination of whether there are any abnormalities, whether something is suitable, or whether it is acceptable, based on certain criteria. It is used for a wide range of purposes, from quality control to medical care.
It combines 検 (check) with 査 (inspect) to show a close inspection.
Nishikata and Takagi are on duty preparing the classroom before class.
- 高木:
- 「そういえば今日持ちもの検査があったような気が…」
- “Come to think of it, I think we have a bag inspection today…”
Investigations
調査 (Investigation)
調査 refers to the process of examining matters in detail to uncover the facts or the truth behind a particular event, or to the results of such an examination.
It combines 調 (examine) with 査 (investigate) to show a careful investigation.
Detective Mouri’s favorite idol, Yoko, comes to his agency after receiving threatening calls and candid photos. Her manager hopes to keep the matter quiet to protect her image.
- 毛利:
- 「承知しました！極秘に調査するとしましょう！！」
- “Got it! Let's investigate this discreetly!!”
- ヨーコ:
- 「あ、ありがとうございます！！」
- “Thank you very much!!”
捜査 (Investigation)
捜査 refers to a series of activities conducted by investigative agencies such as the police and the public prosecutor’s office to identify and apprehend criminals and to collect and preserve evidence in preparation for trials.
It combines 捜 (search) with 査 (investigate) to show a thorough search and investigation.
Conan is now staying with Detective Mouri in hopes of finding a case related to the men responsible for his becoming a child. He stops by Professor Agasa’s place to discuss the situation.
- 阿笠:
- 「おお、そうじゃ！！」
- “Oh, that's right!!”
- 「君の捜査の役にたつと思って、作った物を…」
- “I made this thinking it might help with your investigation...”
- “Oh, that's right!!”