Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
白眼視
はくがんし (hakuganshi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
按図索驥
あんずさくき
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 白眼視 and 按図索驥.
In Japanese, 白眼視 (はくがんし (hakuganshi)) is typically associated with "to look at someone with scorn/disdain; to ostracize; to give someone the cold shoulder" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes looking at someone with contempt or disdain, often implying social rejection or disapproval. Used for a negative gaze..
On the other hand, 按図索驥 (あんずさくき) maps to "to look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "白眼視"
彼はその意見を述べた後、皆から白眼視された。
After stating that opinion, he was looked at with scorn by everyone.
Bilingual Context for "按図索驥"
毎日、日本語を練習するために按図索驥。
Every day, I look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はその意見を述べた後、皆から ＿＿＿ された。" (Meaning: "After stating that opinion, he was looked at with scorn by everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "白眼視" fits here because it means "to look at someone with scorn/disdain; to ostracize; to give someone the cold shoulder" in the context of: "After stating that opinion, he was looked at with scorn by everyone.". "按図索驥" represents "to look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation".