Translation guide
Describes the act of ignoring or not paying attention to something, often deliberately. Japanese expresses this through verbs, adverbs, and set phrases that convey disregard, indifference, or conscious avoidance.
To intentionally pay no attention, often as a social signal or to avoid engagement.
The most direct and common verb for 'ignore'. Can be used for people, rules, or things. Slightly formal but widely used in daily speech.
He ignored my message.
She is completely ignoring my existence.
Literally 'to pretend not to know'. A common, slightly colloquial phrase for ignoring someone by acting as if you don't see or hear them.
He noticed me but pretended not to.
Literally 'to pretend to see and not see'. Used when you witness something but deliberately ignore it, often implying a moral choice to not get involved.
He turned a blind eye to the bullying.
Slang for 'ignore', especially in social contexts like not replying to messages or giving someone the cold shoulder. Can sound harsh or juvenile.
He ignored my LINE message.
To fail to notice something due to distraction, absorption, or lack of awareness.
The most natural way to say 'didn't notice' or 'was unaware'. Implies a lack of perception rather than deliberate ignoring.
I didn't notice him come into the room.
To not take notice of something, to not let it register in your mind. Often used for minor things that don't warrant attention.
Literally 'not pay attention'. More formal and often used in contexts requiring vigilance or care.
To consciously choose not to follow or heed something.
Also used for disregarding non-human things like rules, advice, or signals.
He ignored the doctor's advice.
To let something go in one ear and out the other; to listen but not take seriously or act upon.
To be indifferent or unconcerned about something, often implying a personality trait rather than a single act.
English 'taking no notice' is often a participle phrase. In Japanese, you usually need a verb like 無視する or a phrase like 気がつかない depending on intent. Direct translations like 通知を取っていない are nonsensical.
無視する is a straightforward 'ignore' and can be used for objects and people. 知らんぷりをする specifically implies pretending not to notice someone, often in face-to-face situations, and carries a nuance of deliberate social snubbing.
I didn't pay any attention to his sarcasm.
He doesn't pay attention to details.
He always lets his parents' nagging go in one ear and out the other.
He is indifferent to his appearance.