What words to express “look away” in Japanese?
目をそらす、視線をそらす
目を離す、横を向く、よそ見をする
そっぽを向く、顔を背ける
We can translate ‘look away’ into Japanese in roughly three patterns.
目をそらす、視線をそらす
This refers that you are moving your eyes or line of sight away from an area you are looking at.
This is often used in a situation where the person doing the action feels uncomfortable or embarrassed.
目を離す、横を向く、よそ見をする
This means that you are turning your gaze from something you need to look at.
There’s no emotional intention, just the action.
よそ見をする is often used to describe someone who is distracted.
そっぽを向く、顔を背ける
This is the action of turning your face to something else. It’s an action to show disregard or detachment, and a very childish behaviour.
It is also used to describe someone who is unwilling to cooperate.
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Example sentences for each expression are as follows.
目が合うと彼女は視線をそらした
She looked away when our eyes met.
現実から目をそらしてはいけません
You mustn’t turn away from reality.
外にいるときは子供から目を離してはいけません
Keep an eye on your child when you’re outside.
彼は授業中よくよそ見をしている
He often looks away during class.
息子は何が気に入らないのかそっぽを向いている
I wonder what’s bothering my son, he looks away.
彼は怒って顔を背けた
He looked away angrily.
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