Translation guide
The English word 'glance' can refer to a quick look, a brief or indirect reference, or a light touch or impact. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To look at something quickly or briefly
A common way to say 'glance at' or 'take a quick look at'. The adverb ちらりと adds the nuance of a fleeting glance.
He glanced at his watch.
To refer to something briefly or indirectly in speech or writing
A formal verb meaning 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Often used when someone briefly touches on a topic.
To hit or touch something lightly and move off its surface
Means 'to graze' or 'to brush against'. Used for a light, glancing contact.
The verb 見る (to see/look) does not convey the brevity of a glance. Always add an adverb like ちらりと or チラッと to express a quick look.
Very similar to ちらりと見る, but slightly more casual and onomatopoeic. Often used in spoken Japanese.
She glanced over here.
Literally 'do one look'. A slightly more formal or literary way to say 'glance'. Often used in the phrase 一目して (at a glance).
He glanced at the document.
A sidelong glance, often with a flirtatious or meaningful nuance. Not a general-purpose word for 'glance'.
She cast a sidelong glance at him.
He briefly glanced at the issue.
Literally 'to touch', but often used metaphorically to mean 'to touch upon' a topic briefly.
I briefly glanced at that topic in my speech.
The bullet glanced off his shoulder.
Similar to かする, but often implies a slightly more forceful or swift grazing motion.
The stone glanced off the water surface.