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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

目を通す

めをとおす (me o tōsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 目つき and 目を通す. 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, 目を通す (めをとおす (me o tōsu)) maps to "to look over; to skim through; to glance over" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning to read something quickly or briefly, often just to get the main points or check for obvious errors, without deep scrutiny. It's a transitive verb phrase.. 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 "目を通す"
会議の前に資料に目を通しておいてください。
Please glance over the materials before the meeting.

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.". "目を通す" represents "to look over; to skim through; to glance over".

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