Translation guide
The act of visually scanning one's surroundings, often with a sense of curiosity, searching, or casual observation. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that differ by intent, such as browsing, searching, or sightseeing.
To look around without a specific goal, often out of curiosity or while browsing.
To stroll or wander around casually, often without a clear purpose. Implies a relaxed, leisurely pace.
街をぶらぶらした。
I wandered around town.
To take a stroll, often in a scenic area. Slightly formal or literary.
公園を散策した。
I strolled around the park.
To look around with the purpose of finding something or someone.
To search for something. Use with a location particle を to indicate 'looking around (a place) for something'.
鍵を探して部屋を見回した。
I looked around the room for my keys.
To look around (scanning the area), often with a sense of searching or checking. Can be used alone or with 探す.
To look around restlessly or nervously, often moving one's head around. Implies a lack of focus or anxiety.
迷子の子がきょろきょろしていた。
The lost child was looking around nervously.
To look around a place for enjoyment, as a tourist.
To go sightseeing. The standard verb for touring and looking around tourist spots.
京都を観光した。
I went sightseeing in Kyoto.
To visit and look at famous places or sights. Slightly more focused on the act of viewing.
名所を見物して回った。
I went around looking at the famous sights.
To quickly look around, often to check one's surroundings.
To look out over a wide area, to survey. Used when taking in a broad view.
山の上から町を見渡した。
I looked around the town from the top of the mountain.
To glance around quickly. ちらっと adds the nuance of a brief, casual look.
彼はちらっと部屋を見回した。
He glanced around the room.
見回す (みまわす) is used for looking around a relatively confined space, like a room, often to find something. 見渡す (みわたす) is for taking in a wide, open view, like a landscape.
While 見て回る is common, it implies walking around while looking. If you are stationary and just turning your head, use 見回す or きょろきょろする. If you are searching, use 探す.
彼はあたりを見回した。
He looked around the area.