Translation guide
Expressing the process of noticing, realizing, or becoming conscious of something. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on whether the awareness is sudden, gradual, sensory, or intellectual.
To express that you have become aware of a fact, situation, or truth, often suddenly or after some thought.
The most common and versatile verb for 'notice' or 'realize'. It can be used for both sudden realizations and gradual awareness.
間違いに気づいた。
I noticed the mistake.
彼が嘘をついていることに気づかなかった。
I didn't realize he was lying.
Synonymous with 気づく, but slightly more formal or emphatic. Often used in written language.
その時、大事なことを忘れているのに気がついた。
At that moment, I realized I had forgotten something important.
To realize a deeper truth or become enlightened about something. Often used in spiritual or philosophical contexts, or when someone sees through a hidden meaning.
彼は自分の運命を悟った。
He realized his fate.
To express becoming aware of something through your senses, or regaining consciousness.
Also used for sensory awareness, like noticing a sound, smell, or presence.
後ろに誰かいるのに気づいた。
I became aware that someone was behind me.
Specifically means 'to regain consciousness' after fainting or being knocked out.
彼は数分後に意識が戻った。
He regained consciousness after a few minutes.
Literally 'to wake up', but can metaphorically mean becoming aware of something important or a new reality.
To express that you have become alert to a potential issue or threat.
To sense or detect something, often danger or a hidden motive. Implies a keen perception.
彼は危険を察知して逃げた。
He sensed danger and fled.
Can also be used for noticing problems, though 察知する is more specific for sensing danger.
問題に早く気づいてよかった。
It's good that I became aware of the problem early.
To express a slow dawning of awareness or understanding over time.
Attach to the potential form of a verb to indicate reaching a state where one can do something, often implying gradual awareness. For 'become aware', use with わかる or 気づく.
だんだんわかるようになった。
I gradually came to understand.
彼の本当の気持ちがわかるようになった。
I became aware of his true feelings.
To become self-aware or conscious of one's own situation, abilities, or responsibilities. Often used for personal realizations.
彼は自分の弱さを自覚している。
He is aware of his own weakness.
Both mean 'notice' or 'realize' and are often interchangeable. 気づく is more common in speech, while 気がつく can sound slightly more formal or emphatic. In many cases, 気づく is the safer choice.
忘れ物に気づいた。
I noticed I had left something behind.
忘れ物に気がついた。
I realized I had left something behind.
知る (しる) means 'to know' and is not used for the moment of becoming aware. Use 気づく or other verbs to express the process of noticing or realizing.
誰かに見られていることに突然気づいた。
I suddenly became aware that someone was watching me.
彼女は病気になってから健康の大切さに気づいた。
She became aware of the importance of health after getting sick.
彼は真実に目覚めた。
He awoke to the truth.