Meaning
You will encounter 究 frequently in academic and professional Japanese. It represents the act of digging deep to find the truth or reaching the very end of a path. For N4 learners, its most common appearance is in 研究 (research). This character is composed of 7 strokes and is taught to 3rd-grade students in Japan.
Looking at the components of 究 reveals a story about exploration. The top radical is 穴 (ana), which means a hole or a cave. Beneath it sits 九 (kyuu), the number nine. In ancient thought, nine was the highest single-digit number, representing the ultimate limit or the final point in a sequence. Combining these creates a powerful image. It depicts someone entering a cave and traveling until they reach the absolute end. This visual metaphor perfectly describes 'research'—searching a subject until no stone is left unturned.
In modern usage, this kanji implies a level of intensity that simple learning (学) lacks. It suggests an exhaustive, systematic search for answers. This is why it forms the foundation for words describing specialists, scholars, and ultimate states of being.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 究 is キュウ (kyuu). This is the reading you will use for almost all formal compound words related to science, study, and logic.
- 研究 (kenkyuu) — Research or study. This is the most important word for this kanji.
- 究極 (kyuukyoku) — Ultimate or extreme. It refers to the final, highest stage of something.
- 探究 (tankyuu) — Inquiry or quest, often used when searching for abstract truths.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native reading is きわ.める (kiwa.meru). While less common in basic textbooks than the on'yomi, it is used when talking about 'mastering' a craft or getting to the bottom of a mystery. It is usually written as 究める to distinguish it from its homophone 極める (to reach a peak).
- 究める (kiwameru) — To investigate thoroughly or to master a subject.
- 道を究める (michi wo kiwameru) — To master a specific path, such as a martial art or a traditional craft.
Common Words & Compounds
Pairing 究 with other kanji creates specific terms for investigation and discovery.
Academic and Professional Terms
- 研究者 (kenkyuusha) — A researcher or scholar.
- 研究所 (kenkyuujo) — A research institute or lab.
- 研究会 (kenkyuukai) — A study group or workshop.
- 学究 (gakkyuu) — A dedicated scholar or someone devoted to their studies.
Investigation and Inquiry
- 究明 (kyuumei) — An investigation to clarify the truth, often used for accidents or technical failures.
- 追究 (tsuikyuu) — The rigorous pursuit of a question or a goal.
- 深究 (shinkyuu) — Deep inquiry or looking far into a matter.
Example Sentences
兄は大学でがんの研究をしています。
ani wa daigaku de gan no kenkyuu wo shite imasu.
My older brother is researching cancer at the university.
エンジニアが故障の原因を究明した。
enjinia ga koshou no gen'in wo kyuumei shita.
The engineer investigated and identified the cause of the breakdown.
彼は料理の道を究めるためにフランスへ行った。
kare wa ryouri no michi wo kiwameru tame ni furansu he itta.
He went to France to perfect his culinary skills.
これは究極のラーメンだと言われています。
kore wa kyuukyoku no raamen da to iwarete imasu.
It is said that this is the ultimate bowl of ramen.
もっとデータを研究する必要があります。
motto deeta wo kenkyuu suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
We need to study the data more closely.
Related Kanji
- 験 — Examination, Verification, Testing (Kanji N4)
- 題 — Topic, Subject, Problem (Kanji N4)
- 業 — Business, Vocation, Arts, Karma (Kanji N4)
- 質 — Quality, Nature, Substance (Kanji N4)
- 研 — Sharpen, Polish, Research (Kanji N4)
- 知 — Know, Wisdom, Intellect (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Think of the two parts: 穴 (a cave) and 九 (the number nine). Imagine you are a scientist exploring a mysterious cave. You are so determined that you search the cave nine times until you reach the very back wall. When you search a hole nine times, you are doing thorough research!