尋問（じんもん、jinmoん）
- interrogation

The Japanese word 尋問 (じんもん) primarily means "interrogation," "questioning," or "cross-examination." It refers to the act of asking a series of questions, often in a formal or official setting, to gather information, investigate something, or ascertain the truth. This can apply to legal contexts, such as a police interrogation or a courtroom cross-examination, but can also refer to any instance of thorough questioning. ⚫︎ It implies a structured and often persistent line of inquiry. ⚫︎ The goal is to elicit specific information or uncover details. ⚫︎ The tone can range from neutral to confrontational, depending on the context.

⚫︎ 警察は容疑者を尋問］した。 Translation: The police interrogated the suspect. ⚫︎ 弁護士は証人を法廷で尋問］した。 Translation: The lawyer cross-examined the witness in court. ⚫︎ 社長は社員の不正行為について尋問］した。 Translation: The president questioned the employee about their misconduct.

⚫︎ 尋問 is used in formal situations where detailed questioning is required. ⚫︎ It is appropriate in legal proceedings, investigations, and situations requiring a thorough inquiry. ⚫︎ It often conveys a sense of seriousness and formality. ⚫︎ Be mindful of the context; using 尋問 in casual conversation is uncommon and might be seen as overly dramatic or forceful.

⚫︎ 尋問 is primarily written with the kanji 尋 and 問: 尋問. ⚫︎ The reading is じんもん (hiragana). ⚫︎ There are no variations in the okurigana. ⚫︎ While rarely seen, it is possible for the verb form of 尋問 to be written in hiragana as じんもんする. ⚫︎ Another way to say this verb is 尋問］する. The word can be used as a noun and a verb.

⚫︎ 取り調べ (とりしらべ) - interrogation (often used in police contexts) ⚫︎ 質問 (しつもん) - question; inquiry (more general) ⚫︎ 尋ねる (たずねる) - to ask; to inquire (verb, more general) ⚫︎ 訊問 (じんもん) - interrogation (a synonym, but less common)

⚫︎ 供述 (きょうじゅつ) - statement; testimony (given by a person being questioned) ⚫︎ 証言 (しょうげん) - testimony; evidence ⚫︎ 聴取 (ちょうしゅ) - hearing; listening (receiving information passively)

事件の真相を明らかにするため、警察は容疑者を長時間尋問］した。 ・Translation: To uncover the truth of the incident, the police interrogated the suspect for a long time. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates the use of 尋問 in a legal context, highlighting its purpose of gathering information.

裁判官は、証人の証言に矛盾がないか尋問］した。 ・Translation: The judge cross-examined the witness to see if there were any contradictions in their testimony. ・Explanation: This example shows 尋問 used in a courtroom setting, emphasizing the checking of the validity of witness testimony.

⚫︎ The kanji 尋 (じん, たず-ねる) means "to inquire," "to search for," or "to question." ⚫︎ The kanji 問 (もん, と-う) means "to ask," "to question," or "inquiry." ⚫︎ Combining these kanji, 尋問 literally means "to inquire and question," accurately reflecting its meaning.