Translation guide
The English phrase "see into" can refer to physically looking inside something, perceiving the true nature of a person or situation, or investigating a matter. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
To direct one's gaze into a container, room, or enclosed area.
The most direct and common way to say 'look inside' or 'see into' a physical space.
箱の中を見てください。
Please look inside the box.
I looked into the room, but no one was there.
Implies peeking or taking a quick look inside, often with a nuance of curiosity or stealth.
彼はドアの隙間から中を覗いた。
He peeked inside through the gap in the door.
To peer into something, often by leaning forward or bringing one's face close. Used for looking into holes, wells, or small openings.
井戸を覗き込んだ。
I peered into the well.
To understand or discern hidden feelings, intentions, or the essence of a person or situation.
To see through someone's true feelings or intentions. Often used when someone is hiding their real thoughts.
彼の本心を見抜くのは難しい。
It's hard to see into his true feelings.
To see through someone's mind or heart, often implying an almost supernatural insight. Slightly more literary than 見抜く.
彼女は私の心を見透かしたように微笑んだ。
She smiled as if she could see right into my heart.
To see through something, to foresee, or to have a clear view of the whole picture. Can be used for understanding a situation or a person's motives.
To see through someone's true character or nature, often with a negative connotation (exposing a hidden bad side).
彼の本性を見抜けなかった。
I failed to see into his true nature.
To look into a problem, situation, or issue in order to understand it better.
The most common verb for 'look into' or 'investigate' a matter. Neutral and widely used.
その問題を調べてみます。
I'll look into that problem.
A more formal term for 'investigate' or 'look into', often used in official or business contexts.
事故の原因を調査しています。
We are looking into the cause of the accident.
To examine or consider a matter carefully, often used in business when 'looking into' options or proposals.
その提案を検討します。
We will look into that proposal.
The English phrase 'see into' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Always use context-appropriate expressions like 中を見る for physical looking, or 見抜く for perceiving hidden truths.
彼は事態を見通していた。
He saw into the situation clearly.