Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Look" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "look", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
顧みる
かえりみる (kaerimiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
目つき
めつき (metsuki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 顧みる and 目つき.
In Japanese, 顧みる (かえりみる (kaerimiru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 目つき (めつき (metsuki)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "look" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "目つき"
彼の目つきはとても鋭かった。
His gaze was very sharp.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "自分の過去の行動を顧みて反省した。" (Meaning: "I reflected on my past actions and regretted them.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "顧みる" fits here because it means "to look back (on the past), to reflect, to review, to consider (one's duty/self)" in the context of: "I reflected on my past actions and regretted them.". "目つき" represents "look, expression (of eyes), gaze".