Translation guide
The English word 'glance' can refer to a quick look, a brief or indirect reference, or a light touch or impact. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To look at something quickly or briefly
A common way to say 'glance at' or 'take a quick look at'. The adverb ちらりと adds the nuance of a fleeting glance.
彼は時計をちらりと見た。
He glanced at his watch.
Very similar to ちらりと見る, but slightly more casual and onomatopoeic. Often used in spoken Japanese.
To refer to something briefly or indirectly in speech or writing
A formal verb meaning 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Often used when someone briefly touches on a topic.
彼はその問題に簡単に言及した。
He briefly glanced at the issue.
To hit or touch something lightly and move off its surface
Means 'to graze' or 'to brush against'. Used for a light, glancing contact.
The verb 見る (to see/look) does not convey the brevity of a glance. Always add an adverb like ちらりと or チラッと to express a quick look.
ちらりと見る
to glance
She glanced over here.
Literally 'do one look'. A slightly more formal or literary way to say 'glance'. Often used in the phrase 一目して (at a glance).
彼はその書類を一目した。
He glanced at the document.
A sidelong glance, often with a flirtatious or meaningful nuance. Not a general-purpose word for 'glance'.
彼女は彼に流し目を送った。
She cast a sidelong glance at him.
Literally 'to touch', but often used metaphorically to mean 'to touch upon' a topic briefly.
スピーチでその話題に軽く触れた。
I briefly glanced at that topic in my speech.
弾丸が彼の肩をかすった。
The bullet glanced off his shoulder.
Similar to かする, but often implies a slightly more forceful or swift grazing motion.
石が水面をかすめて飛んでいった。
The stone glanced off the water surface.