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
見返す
みかえす (mikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "look" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 顧みる and 見返す.
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, 見返す (みかえす (mikaesu)) maps to "to look back at; to give someone a look back; to get revenge/prove oneself right (often after being looked down upon)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean to look back at something or someone, or more often, to prove one's worth or get back at someone who underestimated you through success.. 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 "見返す"
彼は自分を馬鹿にした人たちを見返すために、一生懸命努力した。
He worked hard to prove himself to those who had made fun of him.
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.". "見返す" represents "to look back at; to give someone a look back; to get revenge/prove oneself right (often after being looked down upon)".