Translation guide
The English phrase 'seeing through' can mean physically looking through something transparent, understanding the true nature of something deceptive, or persevering to the end of a task. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To perceive the hidden truth behind a lie, disguise, or pretense.
The most common and versatile verb for seeing through a deception, lie, or someone's true character. It implies discerning the truth that is not obvious.
彼の嘘を見抜いた。
I saw through his lie.
彼女はすぐに彼の正体を見抜いた。
She quickly saw through his true identity.
Similar to 見抜く, but often implies exposing or uncovering a trick, disguise, or scheme. Slightly more dramatic.
手品のタネを見破った。
I saw through the magic trick.
A set phrase meaning 'I can see right through you' or 'I know exactly what you're thinking/planning.' Often used in a slightly playful or knowing tone.
君の考えはお見通しだよ。
I can see right through your thoughts.
Literally 'to be visible through something transparent,' but can metaphorically mean that someone's true intentions are transparent or obvious.
彼の下心が透けて見える。
His ulterior motives are transparent (I can see through them).
To physically see objects on the other side of a transparent material like glass or water.
The standard way to say 'look through' a transparent object, often holding it up to light.
ステンドグラスを透かして見ると、色がきれいだ。
When you look through the stained glass, the colors are beautiful.
Describes the state where something is visible through a transparent or translucent object. Focuses on what is seen, not the act of looking.
カーテン越しに人影が透けて見える。
I can see a figure through the curtain.
A general pattern meaning 'to look through something.' The object is marked with を.
窓ガラスを通して外を見る。
I look outside through the window glass.
To continue doing something difficult or unpleasant until it is finished.
Means to accomplish or carry something through to the end, emphasizing completion despite difficulties.
このプロジェクトを最後までやり遂げたい。
I want to see this project through to the end.
A simpler, more colloquial way to say 'do something until the end.'
辛いけど、最後までやるよ。
It's tough, but I'll see it through.
Implies sticking to one's principles or intentions consistently until the end. Often used for beliefs or attitudes.
Both mean 'to see through,' but 見抜く is more about discerning hidden truths or feelings, while 見破る often involves exposing a trick or disguise. 見抜く is more common in daily conversation.
彼の本心を見抜くのは難しい。
It's hard to see through his true feelings.
犯人の変装を見破った。
I saw through the criminal's disguise.
Do not directly translate 'see through' as 通して見る for the meaning of understanding deception. That would be interpreted as physically looking through something. Use 見抜く or 見破る instead.
彼の嘘はすぐに見抜いた。
I saw through his lies immediately.
彼女は人を見抜くのが得意だ。
She can see through people easily.
このプロジェクトをやり遂げなければならない。
We need to see this project through.
彼は自分の信念を最後まで貫いた。
He saw his convictions through to the end.