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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
The bird's-eye view from the mountaintop is breathtakingly beautiful.
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.
First, let's get a bird's-eye view of the project.
A broad perspective or big-picture view. Emphasizes seeing the larger context rather than details.
A bird's-eye perspective, often used in business or academic contexts to mean a comprehensive, high-level viewpoint.
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.
We need a bird's-eye view rather than focusing on details.
A bird's-eye view is essential to solve the problem.