Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
目つき
めつき (metsuki)
N2 / 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 目つき and 按図索驥.
In Japanese, 目つき (めつき (metsuki)) is typically associated with "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..
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hand, 按図索驥 (あんずさくき) maps to "to look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus..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 "目つき"
彼の目つきはとても鋭かった。
His gaze was very sharp.
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Every day, I look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation to practice Japanese.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: "彼の ＿＿＿ はとても鋭かった。" (Meaning: "His gaze was very sharp.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "目つき" fits here because it means "look, expression (of eyes), gaze" in the context of: "His gaze was very sharp.". "按図索驥" represents "to look for a fine horse by its picture; a metaphor for being inflexible and relying on outdated rules without considering the actual situation".