Meaning and Usage
"捜査" (そうさ) specifically refers to the act of searching or investigating, especially in the context of criminal investigations or police work. It is a formal term often used in news reports, police statements, and legal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "捜査" when discussing police investigations, crime cases, or any official inquiry into suspicious activities. It implies a systematic and official process rather than a casual search.
Collocations and Patterns
- 捜査を続ける: to continue an investigation
- 捜査の結果: as a result of the investigation
- 捜査に時間がかかる: the investigation takes time These phrases highlight typical ways "捜査" is used to describe ongoing or completed investigative actions.
Register and Nuance
"捜査" is a formal noun and is not used in casual conversation. It is appropriate in news, police reports, and formal discussions about crime or investigations. Avoid using it for everyday searching tasks; instead, use "探す" or "調べる" for general searching or checking.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "捜査" with "調査" (ちょうさ), which also means investigation but is broader and used for research or surveys. Remember, "捜査" is specific to criminal or police investigations, while "調査" can apply to many types of inquiries.