Translation guide
The English phrase 'see through' has several distinct meanings. It can mean to perceive the truth behind a deception, to provide support until the end, to be transparent, or to complete a task. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To realize that someone is lying or that something is not genuine; to see the true nature of a person or situation.
The most common and direct equivalent. It means to see through a lie, disguise, or someone's true intentions.
I saw through his lie.
She saw through my true feelings.
Literally 'I can see through it.' Often used when someone's plan or trick is obvious. Has a slightly dramatic or knowing tone.
I can see right through you.
A more formal or literary term for seeing through a disguise or falsehood. Often used in written contexts.
His disguise was seen through.
To provide help, resources, or encouragement so that someone can finish a difficult task or period.
Means 'to support until the end.' Natural for emotional, financial, or practical support.
She saw me through the difficult times.
Causative form of 'to accomplish.' Implies enabling or pushing someone to complete something.
To help someone get through a tough situation. Often used for crises or hardships.
Describing something that is transparent, allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be seen.
Describes something that is see-through, often used for thin fabrics or materials.
These curtains are see-through.
The standard adjective for 'transparent.' Used for glass, water, etc.
see-through glass
Loanword from English, used mainly in fashion for see-through clothing or accessories.
To persist with something until it is finished; to carry a project through to completion.
Do not translate 'see through' literally as を通して見る (をとおしてみる) when you mean 'perceive deception' or 'support until completion.' That phrase only means 'to look through something' physically, like looking through a window.
I look outside through the window.
Both mean 'to see through,' but 見抜く (みぬく) is more about discerning hidden truths or feelings, while 見破る (みやぶる) often implies exposing a disguise or trick. 見抜く is more common in daily conversation.
It's easy to see through his lies.
to see through a disguise
His encouragement saw me through to the end.
My friends' help saw me through the crisis.
シースルーのブラウス
a see-through blouse
He saw the difficult project through.