Translation guide
How to express 'regard as' in Japanese, covering common verbs and patterns for considering someone or something in a certain way.
To think of someone or something as having a certain quality, role, or status.
A formal and neutral pattern meaning 'to regard A as B'. Common in written and official contexts.
We regard him as the leader.
Literally 'to think of A as B'. A very common and versatile way to express regarding something in a certain way.
I regard him as a friend.
Similar to 考える but slightly more subjective or emotional. Often used for personal opinions.
I regard him as a genius.
Often interchangeable with みなす, but can imply a judgment or assessment based on evidence.
We regard that act as a crime.
To handle or treat someone or something in a particular way, often implying action rather than just thought.
Means 'to treat A as B'. Used when the regard involves actual treatment or handling.
Please don't treat him as a child.
A causative pattern meaning 'to make A into B', often used when the regard leads to a change in status or role.
They made him department head. (They regarded him as suitable for the role.)
To have a personal, often emotional, view of someone or something.
Literally 'to see A as B'. Conveys a subjective perspective or interpretation.
I regarded his silence as consent.
Kanji form of みなす, often used in legal or formal documents. Same meaning as みなす.
みなす is more formal and often used in objective or official contexts. 考える is neutral and widely used for logical consideration. 思う is more subjective and emotional. For everyday 'regard as', 考える or 思う are safer choices.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'regard as'. Using a dictionary form like 尊敬する (to respect) is not equivalent. Instead, use the patterns AをBと〜する to express the concept.
She is regarded as an expert.
I regard him as a brother.
Using のように softens the statement to 'like a brother', which is more natural than a direct equivalence.
They regarded the proposal as unacceptable.
Legally, one is regarded as an adult.