Translation guide
How to express 'stare at' naturally in Japanese, depending on the intent and context.
To look at something or someone with focused attention, often with curiosity, admiration, or deep thought.
A common, neutral way to say 'stare at' or 'gaze intently'. Can be used for people, objects, or scenes.
He was staring at the painting.
The child is staring at the bug.
To gaze steadily, often with deep emotion or concentration. Slightly more literary than じっと見る.
She stared into his eyes.
I stared at the starry sky, lost in thought.
Formal, technical term for 'stare' or 'gaze fixedly'. Used in written or scientific contexts.
The subject stared at the screen.
To look at someone in a way that is impolite, aggressive, or makes them uncomfortable.
To glare or stare angrily. Implies hostility or strong displeasure.
He glared at me.
I was scared when my boss glared at me.
Slang for staring intensely, often rudely or without hiding it. Common among younger people.
I was stared at by the person next to me on the train.
To stare rudely or scrutinize someone openly, often making them uncomfortable. Very common for describing impolite staring.
I felt uncomfortable being stared at by a stranger.
To look at something without really seeing it, often due to being lost in thought, tired, or shocked.
To look with wide eyes due to amazement, shock, or disbelief.
Literally 'to make one's eyes round', meaning to stare with wide eyes in surprise or wonder.
I stared wide-eyed at the price.
To stare in astonishment or be dumbfounded. Often used when something unexpected happens.
The English phrase 'stare at' can sound aggressive or rude in Japanese if translated directly without considering context. Use じっと見る for neutral staring, and にらむ or じろじろ見る for negative staring.
Stop staring at him. (neutral/concerned)
Stop staring at him. (because it's rude)
じっと見る is the most general and neutral. 見つめる implies a deeper, often emotional gaze. にらむ is specifically an angry glare. Choose based on the emotion you want to convey.
It's rude to stare at people.
After the accident, he stared blankly ahead.
Everyone stared at him in astonishment at his sudden confession.