Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "See" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "see", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見抜く
みぬく (minuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見通す
みとおす (mitoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "see" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見抜く and 見通す.
In Japanese, 見抜く (みぬく (minuku)) is typically associated with "to see through, to discern, to see into" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies perceiving the truth, a person's true intentions, or a hidden fault, often despite attempts to conceal it, through insight or experience..
On the other hand, 見通す (みとおす (mitoosu)) maps to "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used for literal sight. A literal translation of "see" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見抜く"
彼の巧妙な嘘を、先生はすぐに見て抜いた。
The teacher immediately saw through his clever lie.
Bilingual Context for "見通す"
彼はそのプロジェクトの成功を最初から見通していた。
He foresaw the success of that project from the beginning.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の巧妙な嘘を、先生はすぐに見て抜いた。" (Meaning: "The teacher immediately saw through his clever lie.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見抜く" fits here because it means "to see through, to discern, to see into" in the context of: "The teacher immediately saw through his clever lie.". "見通す" represents "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view".