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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

見直す

みなおす (minaosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

顧みる

かえりみる (kaerimiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見直す and 顧みる. In Japanese, 見直す (みなおす (minaosu)) is typically associated with "to look over again, to review, to re-examine" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 何かを再度確認したり、改善するために見たりする場合に使う。Used when re-checking something or looking at it again for improvement.. On the other hand, 顧みる (かえりみる (kaerimiru)) maps to "to look back (on the past), to reflect, to review, to consider (one's duty/self)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 過去の出来事や自分の行いを振り返って考えること。反省や回想の意味合いが強い。また、周囲の状況や人のことを気にかける、という意味でも使う。To look back and reflect on past events or one's own actions, with a strong connotation of introspection or reminiscence. Can also mean to care about surrounding circumstances or people.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見直す"
レポートを提出する前にもう一度見直してください。
Please review your report one more time before submitting it.
Bilingual Context for "顧みる"
自分の過去の行動を顧みて反省した。
I reflected on my past actions and regretted them.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "レポートを提出する前にもう一度見直してください。" (Meaning: "Please review your report one more time before submitting it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "見直す" fits here because it means "to look over again, to review, to re-examine" in the context of: "Please review your report one more time before submitting it.". "顧みる" represents "to look back (on the past), to reflect, to review, to consider (one's duty/self)".

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