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.
祖母の世話をしています。
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.
彼は年老いた両親の面倒を見ている。
He is looking after his elderly parents.
Specifically refers to nursing care, often for the elderly or disabled. Used in formal or professional contexts.
母は祖父を介護しています。
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.
旅行中、犬の世話をしてくれますか？
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.
猫を飼っています。
I have a cat (I look after a cat).
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.
庭の手入れをしなければなりません。
I need to look after the garden.
革靴は定期的に手入れをすると長持ちします。
Leather shoes last longer if you look after them regularly.
Means 'to manage' or 'to administer'. Used for looking after property, buildings, or systems.
彼がアパートの管理をしています。
He looks after the apartment building.
Means 'to treasure' or 'to take good care of'. It emphasizes treating something with care and respect.
この本は大事にしています。
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.
Can also extend to looking after someone's affairs, not just physical care.
彼は弟の学費の面倒を見ている。
He is looking after his younger brother's school expenses.
Can be used in a broader sense for taking care of someone's needs.
彼女は留学生の生活の世話をしている。
She looks after the daily lives of international students.
Expressing the act of looking after someone or something for a short period while the usual caregiver is away.
Common for temporary babysitting or pet-sitting.
今夜、友達の子供の面倒を見ます。
I'm looking after my friend's kids tonight.
Also works for temporary care.
隣の家の猫の世話を頼まれました。
I was asked to look after the neighbor's cat.
Specifically means 'to house-sit' or 'to stay and look after the house while someone is away'.
旅行中、家の留守番をしてくれる？
Can you look after the house while we're traveling?
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.
誰が子供の面倒を見ているの？
Who's looking after the kids?
彼女は健康に気をつけている。
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.