Translation guide
This English phrase can be literal (physically turning to look behind) or figurative (feeling anxious about being watched or overtaken). Japanese uses different expressions for each.
To turn one's head or body to see what is behind.
To feel paranoid, anxious, or constantly checking for threats or competitors.
The direct translation '肩越しに見る' is understandable but not the most natural way to express the physical action. Use '振り返る' for everyday situations.
I looked over my shoulder and waved.
He looked over his shoulder.
I thought someone called my name, so I looked over my shoulder.
Explicitly says 'look back behind'. Slightly more emphatic about the direction.
When I looked over my shoulder, a dog was following me.
Literally 'look over the shoulder'. More descriptive and closer to the English phrasing, but less common as a set phrase.
She looked at me over her shoulder.
Means 'turn to face behind'. Implies a more complete turn, not just a glance.
I turned around to see who was there.
He's always looking over his shoulder.
An adjective meaning 'feeling guilty' or 'having a guilty conscience', which can cause one to look over their shoulder figuratively.
He seems to have a guilty conscience, always looking over his shoulder.
Means 'to be on guard' or 'vigilant'. Used when someone is wary of danger from behind.
He's constantly on guard, always looking over his shoulder.
Literally 'anxiety of being chased'. Describes the feeling of being pursued, which leads to looking over one's shoulder.
Because of the fear of being chased, he's always looking over his shoulder.