Translation and Meaning of: 推理 - suiri

The Japanese word 推理 [すいり] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and unique cultural connections. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, this article will explore its meaning, origin, and use in everyday life. Additionally, we will see how it appears in different contexts, from informal conversations to media productions.

Understanding 推理 goes beyond simple translation. It is connected to logical reasoning, deductions, and even popular genres in Japan, such as detective novels. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese use this word or how to memorize it effectively, keep reading to discover valuable details.

Meaning and use of 推理

推理 is commonly translated as "reasoning," "deduction," or "inference." It describes the process of analyzing information to arrive at a logical conclusion. For example, in an investigative context, 推理 may refer to the work of unraveling a mystery through clues and evidence.

In daily life, Japanese people use this word in situations that involve critical thinking. It also frequently appears in academic discussions, debates, and even in board games that require strategy. Its application is broad, but it always retains the idea of a careful and deliberate mental process.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The term 推理 is formed by two kanji: 推 (sui), which means "to push" or "to infer," and 理 (ri), which can be translated as "reason" or "logic." Together, they create the idea of "pushing logic forward," that is, advancing in thought through analysis. This combination perfectly reflects the meaning of the word.

It is interesting to note that 理 also appears in other words related to logic and science, such as 理論 (riron, "theory") and 物理 (butsuri, "physics"). This connection helps to understand why 推理 is so linked to intellectual and investigative processes in the Japanese language.

Mystery in Japanese culture and media

In Japan, 推理 is a central term in a very popular literary genre: mystery and detective novels, known as 推理小説 (suiri shousetsu). Authors like Edogawa Ranpo and Keigo Higashino are famous for their stories that challenge the reader to solve crimes alongside the characters.

In addition to books, this word appears in animes, dramas, and movies that involve enigmas and puzzles. Series like "Detective Conan" (名探偵コナン) and "Lupin III" (ルパン三世) often use 推理 to describe the scenes where the protagonists unravel complex cases. If you're a fan of these productions, you must have heard the term several times.

Tips for memorizing 推理

An effective way to reinforce 推理 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of famous detectives or investigation scenes you've seen. Creating flashcards with example sentences can also help, especially if you include contexts where the word is used naturally.

Another strategy is to remember the composition of the kanjis. As we saw, 推 and 理 together form the idea of "logical reasoning." If you already know these characters in other contexts, it becomes easier to understand and memorize the meaning of 推理 as a whole.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 推測 (suigosaku) - Inference or assumption based on available evidence.
• 推察 (suisatsu) - Interpretation of others' feelings or intentions based on subtle signals.
• 推定 (suiten) - Assessment or estimate based on observable data.
• 推量 (suiryou) - Estimation or conjecture that may or may not be correct.
• 推論 (suiron) - Logical conclusion drawn from known premises.

推理

Romaji: suiri
Kana: すいり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: reasoning; inference; mystery or detective genre (film novel etc.)

Meaning in English: reasoning;inference;mystery or detective genre (movie novel etc.)

Definition: Make inferences based on logical thinking and evidence.

Example Sentences - (推理) suiri

See below some example sentences:

推理小説が好きです。

Suiri shousetsu ga suki desu

I like mystery novels.

I like the reasoning novel.

• 推理小説 - literary genre of mystery and suspense
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - verb to be in the polite form