Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
侮る
あなどる (anadoru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
目つき
めつき (metsuki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 侮る and 目つき.
In Japanese, 侮る (あなどる (anadoru)) is typically associated with "look down on; underestimate; mock; make light of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to looking down on someone, underestimating their ability, mocking, or making light of a situation/enemy. Often used as 侮れない.
On the other hand, 目つき (めつき (metsuki)) maps to "look, expression (of eyes), gaze" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes the expression or gaze in one's eyes, often implying a certain emotion or character. Can be positive or negative depending on context.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "侮る"
対戦相手のチームを_______ていたせいで、思わぬ大敗を喫してしまいました。
Because we underestimated the opponent team, we suffered an unexpected major defeat.
Bilingual Context for "目つき"
彼の目つきはとても鋭かった。
His gaze was very sharp.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "対戦相手のチームを_______ていたせいで、思わぬ大敗を喫してしまいました。" (Meaning: "Because we underestimated the opponent team, we suffered an unexpected major defeat.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "侮る" fits here because it means "look down on; underestimate; mock; make light of" in the context of: "Because we underestimated the opponent team, we suffered an unexpected major defeat.". "目つき" represents "look, expression (of eyes), gaze".