Translation guide
To look at something steadily and intently, often with admiration, wonder, or deep thought.
To look at something for a long time with feelings like admiration, wonder, or love.
The most common and neutral word for gazing steadily at something or someone. Can be used for romantic, curious, or thoughtful gazing.
To gaze at something, often a scenery or a view, in a relaxed or contemplative way. Implies taking in the whole scene.
To stare or gaze intently, often with concentration or scrutiny. More formal and intense than 見つめる.
科学者は顕微鏡を凝視した。
The scientist gazed intently through the microscope.
To gaze without focusing, often while thinking about something else.
To gaze vacantly or absentmindedly. Combines ぼんやり (vacantly) with 見つめる.
彼は窓の外をぼんやり見つめていた。
He was gazing vacantly out the window.
見る is simply 'to look' or 'to see'. 見つめる implies a fixed, intense gaze, often on a specific object or person. 眺める suggests a more relaxed, sweeping gaze, often at a scenery or view.
見る is too neutral for 'gaze at'. It doesn't convey the intensity or duration. Use 見つめる or 眺める instead.
彼は彼女の目を見つめた。
He gazed into her eyes.
子供たちは星空を見つめていた。
The children were gazing at the starry sky.
彼は窓から景色を眺めていた。
He was gazing at the scenery from the window.
海を眺めながら物思いにふけった。
I gazed at the sea, lost in thought.
To gaze into space, literally 'gaze at the void'. Used when someone is staring at nothing in particular.
彼女は虚空を見つめてため息をついた。
She gazed into space and sighed.