Meaning and Usage
"資料" (しりょう) refers to materials or data used to support information, presentations, or research. It is commonly used in business, academic, and everyday contexts when referring to documents, reports, or any collected information.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "資料" in meetings, lectures, or when someone is preparing or reviewing information. It can refer to printed papers, digital files, or any form of data.
Collocations and Patterns
- 資料を準備する: to prepare materials, often before meetings or presentations.
- 資料を見る: to look at materials, useful when studying or reviewing.
- 資料を配る: to distribute materials, common in classrooms or seminars.
Register and Nuance
"資料" is a neutral and polite term suitable for formal and informal situations. It is not casual slang but is widely used in professional and educational settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "資料" with "データ" (data). While "データ" often refers to raw data or digital data, "資料" usually implies organized or compiled information ready for use or presentation.