観察する
かんさつする·kansatsu suru
Meaning
to observe; to watch carefully; to study; to examine
Nuance & Usage
観察する means to observe something carefully and systematically, often for the purpose of understanding or learning. 植物を観察する (to observe plants), 人の行動を観察する (to observe people's behavior), 天体観察 (astronomical observation) are common uses. 観察眼 (kansatsu-gan — an observant eye) describes the ability to notice details others miss. In scientific and academic contexts, 観察 is a core method distinct from 実験 (jikken — experiment). 観察日記 (an observation diary/log) is used in school projects.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 観察する with 見る (miru — to see/look) or 観る (miru — to watch, entertainment). 観察する specifically implies careful, purposeful, systematic observation — not casual looking. 注意して見る (to watch carefully) is more casual. Don't confuse 観察 with 監視 (kanshi — surveillance, monitoring) which has a controlling/monitoring connotation. 観察力 (observation ability) and 観察眼 (an observant eye) are useful compound words.
Example Sentences (3)
理科の授業で、アリの行動を観察してレポートを書いた。
りかのじゅぎょうで、ありのこうどうをかんさつしてれぽーとをかいた。
In science class, I observed ant behavior and wrote a report.
優れた営業マンは、お客様の行動や反応をよく観察している。
すぐれたえいぎょうまんは、おきゃくさまのこうどうやはんのうをよくかんさつしている。
Excellent salespeople closely observe customers' behavior and reactions.
子どもは遊びを通じて世界を観察し、学んでいく。
こどもはあそびをつうじてせかいをかんさつし、まなんでいく。
Children observe and learn about the world through play.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
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