Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
探します
さがします (sagashimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見直す
みなおす (minaosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 探します and 見直す.
In Japanese, 探します (さがします (sagashimasu)) is typically associated with "to look for, to search for" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Verb, polite form. Used when trying to find something lost or someone. The dictionary form is 探す.
On the other hand, 見直す (みなおす (minaosu)) maps to "to look over again, to review, to re-examine" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 何かを再度確認したり、改善するために見たりする場合に使う。Used when re-checking something or looking at it again for improvement.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "探します"
鍵をどこかに探しています。
I'm looking for my keys somewhere.
Bilingual Context for "見直す"
レポートを提出する前にもう一度見直してください。
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Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鍵をどこかに探しています。" (Meaning: "I'm looking for my keys somewhere.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "探します" fits here because it means "to look for, to search for" in the context of: "I'm looking for my keys somewhere.". "見直す" represents "to look over again, to review, to re-examine".