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.
彼はその間違いを見落とした。
He overlooked the mistake.
重要な点を見落とさないでください。
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.
彼はチャンスを見過ごしてしまった。
He overlooked the chance.
Literally 'not notice'. Used when you simply fail to become aware of something. More general than 見落とす.
彼女の気持ちに気づかなかった。
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.
今回は大目に見てあげます。
I'll overlook it this time.
彼の失敗を大目に見ることにした。
I decided to overlook his mistake.
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.
彼の小さなミスには目をつぶった。
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.
そのホテルは海を見下ろしている。
The hotel overlooks the ocean.
山の上から町を見下ろした。
We overlooked the town from the top of the mountain.
Describes a place with a good view. Not a direct translation of 'overlook', but often used in similar contexts.
この部屋は見晴らしがいい。
This room overlooks a nice view.
To watch over or supervise work or workers.
Standard term for supervising or overseeing a project or people. Formal.
彼がプロジェクトを監督している。
He is overlooking the project.
To watch over protectively or with care. Less about management, more about ensuring safety or progress.
子どもたちの成長を見守る。
To overlook the children's development.
先生は私の遅刻を見逃してくれた。
The teacher overlooked my lateness.