Readings: サ (Onyomi), (Kunyomi)
Meaning: investigate, inspect, examine
The kanji 査 combines the radical 木 (ki, tree/wood), which can sometimes imply structure or form, and 旦 (tan/dan, dawn/morning). In this context, 旦 primarily functions as a phonetic component to represent the sound ‘sa’ and also carries a nuance of ‘revealing’ or ‘clarifying’ as things become clear at dawn. Thus, 査 signifies looking closely into something to clarify or investigate its details, implying a thorough examination.
View JLPT N2 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The stroke order for 査 begins with the strokes for 木 on the left, followed by the strokes for 旦 on the right. Pay attention to the balance and flow between the two components.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 木 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT Level | N2 |
| Grade | S |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- サ (Sa)
Common Words Using 査
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 調査 | ちょうさ | investigation, inquiry, survey |
| 検査 | けんさ | inspection, examination, test |
| 審査 | しんさ | examination, screening, judging |
| 捜査 | そうさ | search (investigation), criminal investigation |
| 査証 | さしょう | visa |
| 査読 | さどく | peer review |
| 精査 | せいさ | close examination, strict investigation |
| 監査 | かんさ | audit, inspection |
| 再調査 | さいちょうさ | reinvestigation |
| 査察 | ささつ | inspection, investigation (especially official) |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 警察が事件を調査している。
Kana: けいさつがじけんをちょうさしている。
Romaji: Keisatsu ga jiken o chōsa shiteiru.
English: The police are investigating the case.
Japanese: 健康診断で血液を検査した。
Kana: けんこうしんでけつえきをけんさした。
Romaji: Kenkō shindan de ketsueki o kensa shita.
English: They examined my blood during the health check-up.
Japanese: この書類は厳しく審査される。
Kana: このしょるいはきびしくしんさされる。
Romaji: Kono shorui wa kibishiku shinsa sareru.
English: This document will be strictly screened.
Japanese: 政府は新しい政策の調査を開始した。
Kana: せいふはあたらしいせいさくのちょうさをかいしした。
Romaji: Seifu wa atarashii seisaku no chōsa o kaishi shita.
English: The government started an investigation into the new policy.
Japanese: 入国には査証が必要です。
Kana: にゅうこくにはさしょうがひつようです。
Romaji: Nyūkoku ni wa sashō ga hitsuyō desu.
English: A visa is required for entry into the country.
Japanese: 論文は査読を経て出版される。
Kana: ろんぶんはさどくをへてしゅっぱんされる。
Romaji: Ronbun wa sadoku o hete shuppan sareru.
English: The thesis will be published after peer review.
Japanese: 彼は会社の帳簿を監査した。
Kana: かれはかいしゃのちょうぼをかんさした。
Romaji: Kare wa kaisha no chōbo o kansa shita.
English: He audited the company’s books.
Japanese: 私たちは市場調査を行っています。
Kana: わたしたちはしじょうちょうさをおこなっています。
Romaji: Watashitachi wa shijō chōsa o okonatteimasu.
English: We are conducting a market survey.
Japanese: 税務署が彼の所得を精査した。
Kana: ぜいむしょがかれのしょとくをせいさした。
Romaji: Zeimusho ga kare no shotoku o seisa shita.
English: The tax office closely examined his income.
Japanese: この地域の安全を査察する。
Kana: このちいきのあんぜんをささつする。
Romaji: Kono chiiki no anzen o sasatsu suru.
English: We will inspect the safety of this area.
Related Grammar & kanji list
Expand your study with grammar and kanji lists for other JLPT levels:
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.