Translation guide
The English phrase 'looking after' refers to taking care of someone or something, often involving responsibility for their well-being, safety, or maintenance. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is being looked after and the context.
Expressing the act of caring for a person who needs help, such as a child, an elderly relative, or someone who is ill.
The most common and versatile phrase for 'looking after' a person. It implies providing care and assistance.
I'm looking after my grandmother.
Can you look after the children?
Similar to 世話をする, but often implies a longer-term commitment or taking on the responsibility of caring for someone.
He is looking after his elderly parents.
Specifically refers to nursing care, often for the elderly or disabled. Used in formal or professional contexts.
My mother is looking after (nursing) my grandfather.
Expressing the act of caring for a pet or animal, including feeding, walking, and general well-being.
Also used for animals. It's the standard way to say you look after a pet.
Can you look after my dog while I'm traveling?
Means 'to keep' or 'to raise' a pet. It implies ownership and ongoing care, not just temporary looking after.
Use 飼う only when you are the owner. For temporary care, use 世話をする.
Expressing the act of maintaining or keeping something in good condition, such as a house, garden, or personal items.
Used for maintenance and care of objects, gardens, or equipment. It implies regular upkeep.
I need to look after the garden.
Leather shoes last longer if you look after them regularly.
Means 'to manage' or 'to administer'. Used for looking after property, buildings, or systems.
He looks after the apartment building.
Means 'to treasure' or 'to take good care of'. It emphasizes treating something with care and respect.
I look after this book (I treasure it).
Expressing the act of handling matters on behalf of someone else, such as finances, legal issues, or general well-being.
Expressing the act of looking after someone or something for a short period while the usual caregiver is away.
世話をする is the most general and can be used for people, animals, and sometimes things. 面倒を見る implies a stronger sense of responsibility and is often used for long-term care. 介護する is specifically nursing care for the elderly or disabled.
Do not translate 'look after' literally as 後を見る (ato o miru). That means 'to look behind' and is completely different.
Who's looking after the kids?
She looks after her health.
Here 'look after' means 'take care of' in a preventive sense, so 気をつける is more natural.
I have a cat (I look after a cat).
She looks after the daily lives of international students.
I was asked to look after the neighbor's cat.
Can you look after the house while we're traveling?