Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見劣り
みおとり (miotori)
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 見劣り and 目を通す.
In Japanese, 見劣り (みおとり (miotori)) is typically associated with "to look inferior, to be unfavorably comparable" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe something that appears less impressive or of lower quality when compared to others. Often used in the form 「〜に見劣りする」..
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 "見劣り"
この商品は他社の製品に見劣りしない。
This product doesn't look inferior to other companies' products.
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: "この商品は他社の製品に ＿＿＿ しない。" (Meaning: "This product doesn't look inferior to other companies' products.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見劣り" fits here because it means "to look inferior, to be unfavorably comparable" in the context of: "This product doesn't look inferior to other companies' products.". "目を通す" represents "to look over; to skim through; to glance over".