Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見下す
みくだす (mikudasu)
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 見下す and 目を通す.
In Japanese, 見下す (みくだす (mikudasu)) is typically associated with "to look down on, to despise, to scorn" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses a feeling of superiority and disdain towards someone or something. It has a negative connotation..
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 "見下す"
彼はいつも他人を見下すような態度をとる。
He always takes an attitude of looking down on others.
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: "彼はいつも他人を ___ ような態度をとる。" (Meaning: "He always takes an attitude of looking down on others.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見下す" fits here because it means "to look down on, to despise, to scorn" in the context of: "He always takes an attitude of looking down on others.". "目を通す" represents "to look over; to skim through; to glance over".