Translation guide
How to express 'regard as' in Japanese, covering common verbs and patterns for considering someone or something in a certain way.
To think of someone or something as having a certain quality, role, or status.
A formal and neutral pattern meaning 'to regard A as B'. Common in written and official contexts.
彼をリーダーとみなす。
We regard him as the leader.
Literally 'to think of A as B'. A very common and versatile way to express regarding something in a certain way.
彼を友達と考えている。
I regard him as a friend.
To handle or treat someone or something in a particular way, often implying action rather than just thought.
Means 'to treat A as B'. Used when the regard involves actual treatment or handling.
彼を子供として扱わないでください。
Please don't treat him as a child.
A causative pattern meaning 'to make A into B', often used when the regard leads to a change in status or role.
To have a personal, often emotional, view of someone or something.
Literally 'to see A as B'. Conveys a subjective perspective or interpretation.
彼の沈黙を承諾と見た。
I regarded his silence as consent.
みなす is more formal and often used in objective or official contexts. 考える is neutral and widely used for logical consideration. 思う is more subjective and emotional. For everyday 'regard as', 考える or 思う are safer choices.
彼女は専門家とみなされている。
She is regarded as an expert.
彼を兄のように思っている。
I regard him as a brother.
Using のように softens the statement to 'like a brother', which is more natural than a direct equivalence.
彼らはその提案を受け入れられないと考えた。
They regarded the proposal as unacceptable.
Similar to 考える but slightly more subjective or emotional. Often used for personal opinions.
彼を天才だと思う。
I regard him as a genius.
Often interchangeable with みなす, but can imply a judgment or assessment based on evidence.
その行為を犯罪と見なす。
We regard that act as a crime.
They made him department head. (They regarded him as suitable for the role.)
Kanji form of みなす, often used in legal or formal documents. Same meaning as みなす.
法律上、成年と見做される。
Legally, one is regarded as an adult.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'regard as'. Using a dictionary form like 尊敬する (to respect) is not equivalent. Instead, use the patterns AをBと〜する to express the concept.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'regard as'. Using a dictionary form like 尊敬する (to respect) is not equivalent. Instead, use the patterns AをBと〜する to express the concept.