究明（きゅうめい、kyuumei）
- inquiry

The Japanese word 究明 (きゅうめい) means to investigate thoroughly, to clarify, to elucidate, or to probe deeply into something to get to the truth. It implies a detailed and systematic examination to discover the facts or the underlying reasons behind something, often a problem or a mystery. The focus is on seeking the truth and understanding. The word often carries the nuance of solving a complex issue. ⚫︎ It involves research, analysis, and possibly experimentation. ⚫︎ The goal is to gain a deeper understanding or find a solution. ⚫︎ The subject of investigation can range from scientific phenomena to legal cases. ⚫︎ The word is more formal and is often used in writing or in serious discussions.

⚫︎事件の真相を究明する。 Translation: To investigate the truth of the incident. ⚫︎科学者はその現象のメカニズムを究明しようとした。 Translation: The scientists tried to clarify the mechanism of that phenomenon. ⚫︎原因を究明するために、徹底的な調査が必要だ。 Translation: A thorough investigation is needed to ascertain the cause.

You would use 究明 in situations where you want to emphasize the thoroughness and depth of an investigation or analysis. ⚫︎ It's suitable when discussing research, investigations, or serious inquiries. ⚫︎ It is appropriate when talking about uncovering facts, solving problems, or understanding complex issues. ⚫︎ You would typically use this word in formal contexts such as academic papers, news reports, or professional discussions, rather than casual conversation. ⚫︎ If you are the person [究明]ing something, you might use the verb conjugation like 究明する, 究明中, or 究明したい.

⚫︎ The word is written in Kanji as 究明. ⚫︎ The reading in hiragana is きゅうめい. ⚫︎ There are no common alternative ways of writing this word. ⚫︎ There are no variations in the okurigana. The verb form is usually 究明する.

⚫︎調査（ちょうさ） - Investigation, inquiry ⚫︎解明（かいめい） - Clarification, elucidation ⚫︎解剖（かいぼう） - Analysis, dissection (in a figurative sense, like analyzing a problem) ⚫︎探究（たんきゅう） - Inquiry, pursuit of knowledge ⚫︎検討（けんとう） - Examination, consideration ⚫︎捜査（そうさ） - Investigation (especially in a legal context)

⚫︎不明（ふめい） - Unclear, unknown ⚫︎曖昧（あいまい） - Vague, ambiguous ⚫︎放棄（ほうき） - Abandonment, renunciation (of an investigation)

警察は事件の真相究明のために、証拠を集めている。 ・Translation: The police are gathering evidence to investigate and uncover the truth of the incident. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates the use of 究明 in the context of a police investigation, highlighting the goal of uncovering the truth.

学者はその病気の原因を究明するため、長年の研究を行った。 ・Translation: The scholar conducted years of research to investigate the cause of the disease. ・Explanation: This sentence demonstrates the use of 究明 in an academic context, emphasizing the long-term effort dedicated to understanding the origin of something.

究明 is a compound word: ⚫︎ 究 (きゅう) means to investigate, to examine thoroughly, or to pursue to the end. ⚫︎ 明 (めい) means to make clear, to clarify, or to understand. Combined, the word signifies a deep and thorough investigation with the aim of making something clear or discovering the truth.