Translation guide
The English word 'peer' can mean to look closely at something, a person of equal status, or a member of the nobility. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese.
To look carefully or with difficulty, often because something is hard to see.
A common phrase meaning to stare or gaze intently. Suitable for many situations.
彼は暗闇の中をじっと見た。
He peered into the darkness.
A person of the same age, status, or ability as another.
A member of the nobility, such as a duke, earl, etc.
Noble or aristocrat. The general term for a peer of the realm.
覗き込む implies physically moving closer or leaning in to look into something, while じっと見る simply means staring intently without necessarily moving.
彼は窓から部屋を覗き込んだ。
He peered into the room through the window.
彼女は絵をじっと見た。
She peered at the painting.
To peer into something, often by leaning forward or looking into a confined space.
彼女は穴を覗き込んだ。
She peered into the hole.
To strain one's eyes to see something. Emphasizes the effort of looking.
遠くの船を見ようと目を凝らした。
I peered at the distant ship.
To peer through something, like a window or fog, often holding something up to the light.
彼は霧の中を透かして見た。
He peered through the fog.
Colleague or coworker. Used for peers in a workplace.
彼は同僚から尊敬されている。
He is respected by his peers.
Companion, mate, or fellow member of a group. Broader than 同僚, can include friends or teammates.
彼は仲間と一緒にプロジェクトを進めた。
He worked on the project with his peers.
People of roughly the same age. Often used when age is the main factor.
彼は同年輩の友人とよく遊ぶ。
He often hangs out with his peers.
Equal in rank or status. More formal and often used in legal or organizational contexts.
彼は同格の役員と会議をした。
He met with his peer executives.
彼はイギリスの貴族だ。
He is a British peer.
Japanese peerage (historical). Refers specifically to the pre-1947 Japanese nobility.
彼の祖父は華族だった。
His grandfather was a peer.