解剖

かいぼう

dissection, autopsy

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "解剖" (かいぼう) primarily refers to the act of dissection or autopsy, often used in medical or forensic contexts. It involves carefully cutting apart organisms or bodies to study their internal structures.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in medical education, where students perform dissections to learn anatomy. In forensic science, "解剖" refers to autopsies conducted to determine causes of death.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 解剖学 (かいぼうがく): anatomy, the scientific study of body structure.
  • 解剖する: to dissect or perform an autopsy.
  • 遺体の解剖: autopsy of a corpse.

Register and Nuance

"解剖" is a formal term used in scientific, medical, and legal settings. It is not used casually in everyday conversation. When discussing anatomy or autopsy, this is the precise term.

Common Learner Pitfall

Learners sometimes confuse "解剖" with simpler words for "cut" or "open." Remember, "解剖" specifically implies systematic dissection for study or investigation, not just any cutting.

Example Sentences

いがくせいはじんたいのこうぞうをりかいするためにかいぼうのじゅぎょうをうける。

Medical students take dissection classes to understand the structure of the human body.

けいさつはしいんをしらべるためにいたいのかいぼうをおこなった。

The police performed an autopsy on the body to investigate the cause of death.

このほんはどうぶつのかいぼうがくについてくわしくせつめいしている。

This book explains animal anatomy in detail.