Translation guide
How to express 'lookout' in Japanese, covering the act of watching for danger, a person who keeps watch, a viewpoint, and related warnings.
The action of keeping watch, being alert for something to appear or happen.
The most common word for the act of keeping watch, especially for security or to avoid being caught.
彼は外で見張りをしていた。
He was on the lookout outside.
Vigilance or alertness, often used in formal or military contexts. Implies being on guard against danger.
警察は不審者に警戒している。
The police are on the lookout for suspicious persons.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to keep a sharp lookout' or 'to keep an eye on something'.
親は子供たちに目を光らせている。
Parents are keeping a lookout on their children.
A person assigned to watch for danger or someone's arrival.
Can refer to both the act and the person. Often used for a lookout in a criminal context or a guard.
見張りが警察を見つけて叫んだ。
The lookout spotted the police and shouted.
Watchman or guard, often for a fixed post like a gate or tower. Slightly old-fashioned.
Surveillance officer or monitor, used in formal settings like security rooms or lifeguard stations.
A high place or structure used to observe surroundings.
Watchtower or lookout post. Commonly used for fire lookouts or guard towers.
森林火災を見つけるために見張り台が使われる。
Lookout towers are used to spot forest fires.
Observation deck or scenic viewpoint, more for enjoying views than security.
山の展望台から町全体が見える。
From the lookout on the mountain, you can see the whole town.
Historical watchtower, often in castles or old fortifications.
Telling someone to be on the lookout or to watch out.
見張り (mihari) is the everyday word for keeping watch, often with a physical presence. 警戒 (keikai) is more about a state of alertness and is used in formal or abstract contexts like '警戒する' (to be vigilant).
泥棒が見張りを立てた。
The thieves posted a lookout.
台風に警戒してください。
Please be on the lookout for the typhoon.
The exclamation 'Look out!' (warning of immediate danger) is usually translated as 危ない (abunai) or 気をつけて (ki o tsukete), not 見張り.
危ない！車が来る！
Look out! A car is coming!
城の番人が見張り台に立っていた。
The castle lookout stood on the watchtower.
監視員がプールを見張っている。
The lookout is watching the pool.
物見台から敵の動きを探った。
They observed the enemy's movements from the lookout.