Meaning and Usage
The verb 調べる (しらべる) primarily means "to investigate," "to check," or "to look into." It is commonly used when you want to find out information by searching, examining, or researching something.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 調べる used when talking about checking facts, investigating causes, or researching topics. For example, checking information online, investigating a problem, or looking up materials in a library.
Collocations and Patterns
- 情報を調べる (じょうほうをしらべる): to check information
- 原因を調べる (げんいんをしらべる): to investigate the cause
- 資料を調べる (しりょうをしらべる): to research materials
These collocations show that 調べる is often followed by the object that you want to investigate or check.
Register and Politeness
調べる is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts. When speaking politely, use the ます-form 調べます.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 調べる with 見る (to see) or 確かめる (to confirm). 調べる implies a more active effort to find or investigate information, not just passively looking or confirming something you already suspect.