捜索

そうさく

search (esp. for someone or something missing, investigation)

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 捜索 (そうさく) specifically refers to searching or investigating, often in the context of looking for missing persons, lost items, or evidence. It is commonly used in formal or official contexts such as police investigations or rescue operations.

Common Contexts

捜索 is frequently used when talking about police or rescue teams searching for someone or something lost. It implies a systematic and thorough search rather than a casual look.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 捜索隊 (そうさくたい): search party or rescue team, used when organized groups conduct searches.
  • 捜索を続ける: to continue searching, indicating ongoing efforts.
  • 証拠品の捜索: search for evidence, common in legal or police contexts.

Register and Nuance

This term is formal and often appears in news reports, official statements, or serious conversations about investigations. It is not used for casual searching like looking for your keys at home.

Common Learner Mistake

Confusing 捜索 (そうさく) with 探索 (たんさく), which also means search but is more about exploration or searching in a broader or more abstract sense. 捜索 is more concrete and practical, often related to police or rescue operations.

Example Sentences

けいさつはゆくえふめいのこどものそうさくをつづけている。

The police are continuing the search for the missing child.

やまでそうなんしたとざんしゃのそうさくたいがしゅっぱつした。

A search party for the climber lost in the mountains has departed.

けいさつはしょうこひんのそうさくをてっていてきにおこなった。

The police conducted a thorough search for evidence.