Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
振り返る
ふりかえる (furikaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見返す
みかえす (mikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 振り返る and 見返す.
In Japanese, 振り返る (ふりかえる (furikaeru)) is typically associated with "to look back, to turn around; to reflect on (the past)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can be used literally.
On the other hand, 見返す (みかえす (mikaesu)) maps to "to look back at; to give someone a look back; to get revenge/prove oneself right (often after being looked down upon)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean to look back at something or someone, or more often, to prove one's worth or get back at someone who underestimated you through success.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "振り返る"
過去を振り返ると、いろいろな思い出が蘇る。
When I look back at the past, many memories revive.
Bilingual Context for "見返す"
彼は自分を馬鹿にした人たちを見返すために、一生懸命努力した。
He worked hard to prove himself to those who had made fun of him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "過去を ＿＿＿ と、いろいろな思い出が蘇る。" (Meaning: "When I look back at the past, many memories revive.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "振り返る" fits here because it means "to look back, to turn around; to reflect on (the past)" in the context of: "When I look back at the past, many memories revive.". "見返す" represents "to look back at; to give someone a look back; to get revenge/prove oneself right (often after being looked down upon)".