Translation and Meaning of: 捜査 - sousa

The Japanese word 捜査 (そうさ, sōsa) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its specific meaning and for its use in formal and media contexts. If you’ve ever watched police dramas or read news about investigations in Japan, you’ve probably come across it. In this article, we will explore what 捜査 means, how it is written in kanji, its everyday use, and some tips for memorizing it. If you are studying Japanese or just interested in the culture of the country, understanding this word can be quite useful.

Meaning and use of 捜査

捜査 is a word that refers to investigations, especially in the police or legal context. It is often used in situations involving searches for evidence, interrogations, or crime analyses. For example, in sentences like "The police are advancing in the investigation of the case" (警察が事件の捜査を進めている), the term appears in its most common sense.

Although it is a formal term, it is not limited to official documents. Japanese dramas and films often use it to describe crime investigation scenes, which helps reinforce its meaning among speakers. If you enjoy crime-related content, you will likely become familiar with this word quickly.

Writing and composition of kanji

The kanji 捜 (sō) means "to search" or "to seek," while 査 (sa) can be translated as "to investigate" or "to examine." Together, they form a compound that well reflects the idea of a detailed investigation. It is interesting to note that both characters are used in other words related to research and analysis, such as 検索 (kensaku, search) and 調査 (chōsa, survey).

One way to memorize 捜査 is to associate it with situations where authorities are actively looking for clues. The radical 扌(てへん) in 捜, which indicates manual action, also helps to remember that the word is related to an active process of searching.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, 捜査 is a word that frequently appears in news reports about crimes and police operations. It carries a serious tone and is less used in informal conversations. If you are reading a newspaper or following a criminal case, you are likely to encounter this term.

Furthermore, the word carries significant cultural weight, as it reflects the importance placed on order and justice in Japanese society. In dramas like "相棒" (Aibou) or "科捜研の女" (Kaso-ken no Onna), it is repeatedly used, making it recognizable even for those who do not fully master the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 調査 (chōsa) - Research, formal investigation or detailed study.
• 探査 (tansai) - Exploration, typically related to analysis in fields such as science or technology.
• 捜索 (sōsaku) - Active search, usually in cases of disappearance or criminal investigation.
• 調べる (shiraberu) - Check, examine, or research information in general.
• 探る (saguru) - Explore or probe, also in search of information or sensation.

捜査

Romaji: sousa
Kana: そうさ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: research (especially in criminal investigations); investigation

Meaning in English: search (esp. in criminal investigations);investigation

Definition: to investigate crimes.

Example Sentences - (捜査) sousa

See below some example sentences:

警部は事件の捜査を担当しています。

Keibu wa jiken no sousa wo tantou shiteimasu

The inspector is responsible for investigating the case.

The inspector is responsible for investigating the case.

• 警部 (Keibu) - Title of a high-ranking Japanese police officer
• は (wa) - Topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "警部".
• 事件 (jiken) - Incident or case
• の (no) - Possessive particle that indicates that the "jiken" is the object of the action.
• 捜査 (sousa) - Investigation
• を (wo) - Object particle that indicates that "sousa" is the direct object of the action
• 担当しています (tantou shiteimasu) - You are in charge of