A1 noun Neutral #2,504 most common

観察

kansatsu /kãnsatsɯ/

Observation is the act of watching someone or something carefully in order to gain information or understand a process. It is frequently used in scientific studies, nature analysis, and describing the act of paying close attention to details.

Examples

3 of 5
1

公園で鳥を観察しました。

I observed birds at the park.

2

警察は不審な動きを観察しています。

The police are observing suspicious movements.

3

彼の反応を観察してみよう。

Let's observe how he reacts.

Word Family

Noun
観察
Verb
観察する
Adverb
観察的に
Adjective
観察的な
Related
観察者
💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a scientist looking through a 'lens' (Kan) at a 'statue' (Satsu) to see every tiny detail.

Quick Quiz

夏休みに虫を____しました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 観察

Examples

1

公園で鳥を観察しました。

everyday

I observed birds at the park.

2

警察は不審な動きを観察しています。

formal

The police are observing suspicious movements.

3

彼の反応を観察してみよう。

informal

Let's observe how he reacts.

4

植物の成長を観察し、記録する。

academic

Observe and record the growth of plants.

5

市場の動向を注意深く観察する。

business

Carefully observe market trends.

Word Family

Noun
観察
Verb
観察する
Adverb
観察的に
Adjective
観察的な
Related
観察者

Common Collocations

観察記録 observation record
鋭い観察 sharp observation
天体観察 astronomical observation
人間観察 people-watching
観察力がある to have good powers of observation

Common Phrases

人間観察が趣味だ

My hobby is people-watching.

注意深く観察する

To observe carefully.

観察の目を向ける

To turn one's eye toward observation.

Often Confused With

観察 vs 監視

Kanshi implies surveillance or monitoring for security/control, whereas Kansatsu is objective observation for learning.

観察 vs 見学

Kengaku is a field trip or visiting a place to learn, while Kansatsu is the specific act of looking at details.

📝

Usage Notes

Mainly used for scientific, objective, or systematic monitoring. It is a suru-verb, so it becomes 'kansatsu suru' when used as an action.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the basic verb 'miru' (to see/watch) in scientific contexts where 'kansatsu' would be more appropriate for its precision.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a scientist looking through a 'lens' (Kan) at a 'statue' (Satsu) to see every tiny detail.

📖

Word Origin

Composed of 'Kan' (to view/look) and 'Satsu' (to inspect/guess/judge).

Grammar Patterns

Noun + を観察する (to observe [noun]) Noun + の観察 (observation of [noun])
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japanese elementary schools, 'Asagao' (morning glory) observation is a standard summer holiday assignment where children keep a diary of the plant's growth.

Quick Quiz

夏休みに虫を____しました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 観察

Related Phrases

Related Words

保護

A1

The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or loss by providing care or creating boundaries. It is a versatile term in Japanese used for social welfare, environmental conservation, and digital security.

革命

A1

A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.

拡大

A1

The act of making something larger in size, scale, or scope. It is frequently used for physical enlargement (like a photo) or abstract growth (like a business or a problem).

販売

A1

The act of selling goods or services to customers, typically within a commercial or professional context. It refers to the business process of making items available for purchase.

取引

A1

A transaction or business deal involving the exchange of money, goods, or services. It refers to the process of doing business with another party or making a trade.

貯金

A1

The act of saving money or the amount of money saved, typically in a bank or a piggy bank. It refers to setting aside funds for future use rather than spending them immediately.

借金

A1

A sum of money that is borrowed from a person or an institution and is expected to be paid back. It refers to the state of owing money or the specific amount of debt accumulated.

利益

A1

Refers to the financial profit a company or individual makes after deducting expenses. It also describes a general benefit, advantage, or gain that someone receives from a situation or action.

損失

A1

A formal noun referring to the loss of something valuable, such as money, property, or time. It is commonly used in business or serious contexts to describe a reduction in value or a disadvantageous outcome.

予算

A1

A budget or an estimate of the amount of money available for a specific purpose. It refers to the financial plan or limit set before spending occurs in personal, business, or government contexts.

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