Meaning and Usage
"調べ" (しらべ) is a noun derived from the verb "調べる" meaning "to investigate" or "to examine." It refers to the act or result of investigation, inspection, or inquiry. It is commonly used in formal or official contexts such as police investigations, research, or detailed checks.
Common Contexts
You will often see "調べ" used when talking about police or official investigations (事件の調べ), research or examination of documents (資料の調べ), or background checks (過去の調べ). It implies a thorough or systematic process rather than a casual look.
Collocations and Patterns
- 事件の調べ: investigation of a case, used in legal or police contexts.
- 資料の調べ: examination of materials or documents, often in research or academic settings.
- 過去の調べ: background check or investigation into someone's past.
Register and Nuance
"調べ" is neutral to formal in tone and is appropriate in written and spoken Japanese when discussing investigations or examinations. It is not casual and usually implies a serious or official inquiry.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "調べ" with the verb form "調べる." Remember that "調べ" is a noun and often requires a particle like "の" to connect it to other nouns (e.g., 事件の調べ). Avoid using it as a verb form directly.