Translation guide
A view from high above, looking down on a wide area. In Japanese, this concept is expressed with specific nouns, descriptive phrases, and sometimes metaphorical extensions.
Describing a physical view from a high vantage point, such as from an airplane, mountain, or tall building.
A bird's-eye view map or drawing. Often used for illustrated maps or panoramic drawings of landscapes or cities.
A broad, comprehensive understanding of a subject, like looking at the big picture.
The overall picture or full scope. Used when you want to grasp the entire situation or concept.
まずはプロジェクトの全体像を把握しましょう。
First, let's get a bird's-eye view of the project.
Both mean 'looking down from above,' but 俯瞰 is more common and versatile. 鳥瞰 is more literary and often appears in fixed compounds like 鳥瞰図 (bird's-eye view map). For everyday use, 俯瞰 is preferred.
Instead of a single word, Japanese often uses descriptive phrases like 高いところからの眺め (view from a high place) or 上空からの眺め (view from the sky). These sound more natural in conversation than technical terms.
This bird's-eye view depicts Kyoto in the Edo period.
A view from the sky. A natural way to describe the view from an airplane or drone.
飛行機から見た上空からの眺めは素晴らしかった。
The bird's-eye view from the airplane was wonderful.
A view from a high place. Used for views from towers, mountains, or tall buildings.
東京タワーの高いところからの眺めは最高です。
The bird's-eye view from Tokyo Tower is amazing.
Overlooking or looking down from above. Often used in photography or when describing a comprehensive view. Can be used as a noun or verb (俯瞰する).
この写真は街を俯瞰している。
This photo gives a bird's-eye view of the city.
Bird's-eye view, literally 'bird's gaze'. Less common than 俯瞰 and often used in compound words like 鳥瞰図.
山頂からの鳥瞰は息をのむほど美しい。
The bird's-eye view from the mountaintop is breathtakingly beautiful.
A broad perspective or big-picture view. Emphasizes seeing the larger context rather than details.
細かい点よりも大局的な見方が必要だ。
We need a bird's-eye view rather than focusing on details.
A bird's-eye perspective, often used in business or academic contexts to mean a comprehensive, high-level viewpoint.
問題を解決するには俯瞰的な視点が欠かせない。
A bird's-eye view is essential to solve the problem.