Translation guide
The English verb 'overlook' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: failing to notice something, ignoring or excusing a fault, having a view from above, and supervising. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
To miss seeing or noticing something, often accidentally.
The most direct equivalent for accidentally failing to notice something. Transitive verb.
He overlooked the mistake.
Please don't overlook the important points.
Similar to 見落とす, but can also imply intentionally letting something pass. Often used for overlooking a problem or opportunity.
He overlooked the chance.
Literally 'not notice'. Used when you simply fail to become aware of something. More general than 見落とす.
I overlooked her feelings.
To deliberately ignore or forgive a mistake or bad behavior.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to overlook or tolerate a fault generously. Common in everyday speech.
I'll overlook it this time.
Can mean to overlook a fault or let an opportunity slip by. Often used when someone in authority chooses not to punish.
Literally 'close one's eyes', meaning to pretend not to see a fault. Slightly more deliberate than 大目に見る.
I overlooked his small mistakes.
To provide a view of something from a higher place.
Used when a place or building looks down over an area. Transitive verb.
The hotel overlooks the ocean.
Describes a place with a good view. Not a direct translation of 'overlook', but often used in similar contexts.
This room overlooks a nice view.
To watch over or supervise work or workers.
I decided to overlook his mistake.
先生は私の遅刻を見逃してくれた。
The teacher overlooked my lateness.
We overlooked the town from the top of the mountain.
子どもたちの成長を見守る。
To overlook the children's development.