Translation guide
The English phrase "under one's nose" has two main uses: a literal spatial meaning (directly in front of someone) and an idiomatic meaning (something obvious that was overlooked). Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns.
To say something is physically right in front of someone, very close to their face.
To say that something was obvious or easily noticeable but someone failed to see it, often because they were distracted or not paying attention.
Do not translate 'under one's nose' word-for-word as 鼻の下 (はなのした) except when referring to the physical area under the nose. The idiomatic meaning requires different expressions.
He was standing right under my nose.
財布はテーブルの上、彼の目の前にあった。
The wallet was on the table, right under his nose.
Literally 'tip of the nose'. Used when something is extremely close to someone's face, often with a nuance of intrusion or surprise.
犬が私の鼻先でくしゃみをした。
The dog sneezed right under my nose.
Emphasizes that an action happens right in front of someone, often with a sense of boldness or shock.
犯人は警察官の目の前で逃げた。
The criminal escaped right under the police officer's nose.
A verb meaning 'to overlook' or 'to miss seeing'. It directly conveys the idea of failing to notice something that was right there.
答えは目の前にあったのに、見落としていた。
The answer was right under my nose, but I overlooked it.
彼は重要なメールを見落とした。
He missed an important email that was right under his nose.
Means 'not to notice' or 'to be unaware'. Often used when something is obvious but the person doesn't realize it.
彼は自分の鼻の下にある汚れに気づかなかった。
He didn't notice the dirt right under his nose.
A proverb meaning 'it is dark at the foot of a lighthouse', i.e., you often fail to see what is closest to you. It's a poetic way to express the idea, but less common in daily speech.
探していた鍵がポケットにあったなんて、灯台下暗しだね。
The key I was looking for was in my pocket—talk about being right under my nose.