Translation guide
The English verb "pore" is used in two main ways: to study or read something intently, and to meditate or reflect deeply. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the act of examining or reading something with great attention and concentration.
Literally 'read thoroughly'. A standard, neutral way to say 'pore over a book/document'.
彼は毎晩、法律書を熟読している。
He pores over law books every night.
Means 'read carefully/take one's time reading'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
Expressing the act of thinking deeply about something, often in a quiet, focused manner.
Standard word for 'think deeply/ponder'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼はその問題について一晩中熟考した。
He pored over the problem all night.
Do not translate 'pore' directly as 毛穴 (けあな, 'skin pore'). The English verb has no relation to the noun.
契約書をじっくり読んでからサインしてください。
Please pore over the contract before signing.
Idiomatic: 'stare until holes appear'. Emphasizes intense, prolonged looking, often at a document or screen.
彼は地図を穴が開くほど見ていた。
He was poring over the map.
Literally 'stare as if devouring'. Conveys intense, absorbed looking, often at something fascinating.
子供たちは絵本を食い入るように見ていた。
The children were poring over the picture book.
Literary word meaning 'be absorbed in reading'. Implies deep, pleasurable immersion.
彼女は週末、SF小説を耽読した。
She pored over sci-fi novels all weekend.
Literally 'let one's thoughts wander'. Conveys deep, often emotional reflection.
彼女は過去の出来事に思いを巡らせていた。
She was poring over past events.
Formal/literary: 'silent contemplation'. Implies deep, wordless pondering.
老人は縁側で沈思黙考していた。
The old man was poring in silence on the veranda.
Means 'be lost in thought'. Common in everyday speech.
彼は難しい選択に考え込んでいる。
He is poring over a difficult choice.