Translation guide
The English word "ignore" can be expressed in Japanese through various verbs and phrases that convey different nuances, from deliberately disregarding someone or something to simply not paying attention. The most common and versatile equivalent is 無視する (mushi suru), but other options like シカトする (shikato suru) for slang, 見て見ぬふりをする (mite minu furi o suru) for pretending not to see, and 聞き流す (kikinagasu) for letting something go in one ear and out the other, provide a range of expressions depending on context and formality.
To intentionally pay no attention to someone or something, often as a form of rejection or disrespect.
The standard and most common verb for 'ignore'. It can be used for people, rules, advice, etc. It implies a conscious decision to disregard.
彼は私のメッセージを無視した。
He ignored my message.
上司の忠告を無視してはいけない。
You must not ignore your boss's advice.
Slang term for ignoring someone, especially in social situations. Often used among younger people. Can be considered rude.
昨日、友達にシカトされた。
My friend ignored me yesterday.
Literally 'to pretend not to see'. Used when you notice something but choose to ignore it, often to avoid involvement.
彼は困っている人を見て見ぬふりをした。
He ignored the person in trouble (pretended not to see).
Noun form of 無視する. Often used in compounds or formal contexts.
彼の行動は完全な無視だ。
His behavior is complete ignorance.
To fail to notice or consider something, often unintentionally or due to carelessness.
To overlook, miss, or fail to notice something. Often used for details, mistakes, or important points.
重要な点を見落としていた。
I overlooked an important point.
その間違いを見落とすな。
Don't overlook that mistake.
To ignore what someone says, to let it go in one ear and out the other. Often used for complaints, gossip, or unimportant talk.
Can also be used for unintentionally ignoring, but usually implies some awareness.
彼は私の存在を無視しているようだ。
He seems to be ignoring my existence.
To intentionally not follow instructions, rules, or warnings.
The standard verb for ignoring rules, advice, or warnings.
交通ルールを無視するドライバーが多い。
There are many drivers who ignore traffic rules.
Literally 'not obey/follow'. A more direct way to say you don't follow rules or advice.
彼は医者の指示に従わなかった。
He ignored the doctor's instructions (did not follow them).
Slang for completely ignoring, often used in online contexts. Very casual.
彼のDMをガン無視した。
I completely ignored his DM.
To try not to let a physical or emotional sensation affect you.
Can be used for ignoring pain or emotions, though sometimes other expressions are more natural.
痛みを無視して走り続けた。
I ignored the pain and kept running.
To not mind, not care about. Often used for ignoring minor discomforts or worries.
彼の言葉は気にしないで。
Ignore his words (don't mind them).
無視する is the standard, neutral term for ignoring. シカトする is slang and can sound harsh or childish. Use 無視する in most situations, and シカトする only with close friends in very casual settings.
先生にシカトするのは失礼だ。
Ignoring the teacher is rude. (Using シカトする here emphasizes the rudeness.)
Avoid directly translating 'ignore' as 無視する in all contexts. For example, 'ignore the noise' might be better expressed as 騒音を気にしない (don't mind the noise) or 騒音に慣れる (get used to the noise) depending on the nuance.
騒音は気にしないでください。
Please ignore the noise (don't mind it).
彼の愚痴はいつも聞き流している。
I always ignore his complaints (let them go in one ear and out the other).