Translation guide
The act of deliberately ignoring something, pretending not to notice, or overlooking a wrongdoing or problem. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, phrases, and idiomatic expressions that convey willful ignorance or passive tolerance.
To intentionally overlook a mistake, rule-breaking, or unethical behavior, often implying a conscious choice not to intervene.
Literally 'to pretend not to see what one has seen.' This is the most direct and common equivalent for 'turning a blind eye.' It implies willful ignorance of something one has witnessed.
彼は不正を見て見ぬふりをした。
He turned a blind eye to the wrongdoing.
上司は部下のミスを見て見ぬふりをした。
The boss turned a blind eye to his subordinate's mistake.
Literally 'to close one's eyes.' Used figuratively to mean overlooking or tolerating something, often with a nuance of leniency or forgiveness.
今回は彼の失敗に目をつぶってあげよう。
I'll turn a blind eye to his mistake this time.
警察はその違法行為に目をつぶっていた。
The police were turning a blind eye to the illegal activity.
Means 'to overlook' or 'to let pass.' It can be used for both accidental overlooking and intentional turning a blind eye, depending on context.
彼の遅刻を見逃してやった。
I turned a blind eye to his tardiness.
Means 'to overlook' or 'to tolerate' with a sense of generosity or leniency. Often used when someone forgives a minor fault.
初めての失敗だから大目に見てください。
Since it's my first mistake, please turn a blind eye.
Means 'to tacitly permit' or 'to connive at.' It implies a more official or systematic turning a blind eye, often used in formal contexts.
政府はその汚職を黙認していた。
The government was turning a blind eye to the corruption.
To feign ignorance of an awkward, embarrassing, or inconvenient situation to avoid confrontation or discomfort.
Literally 'to pretend not to notice.' Used when one deliberately ignores something to avoid an awkward situation.
彼女は彼の失言に気づかないふりをした。
She turned a blind eye to his slip of the tongue.
A casual expression meaning 'to act as if one doesn't know' or 'to ignore.' Often used in everyday situations.
隣の人が困っていても、みんな知らんぷりをしていた。
Even though the neighbor was in trouble, everyone turned a blind eye.
To consciously avoid acknowledging a difficult truth or issue, often because it is inconvenient or unpleasant.
Literally 'to avert one's eyes.' Figuratively means to refuse to face reality or a problem.
彼は現実から目を背けている。
He is turning a blind eye to reality.
Directly means 'to ignore a problem.' Less idiomatic but clear and commonly used.
会社は環境問題を無視している。
The company is turning a blind eye to environmental issues.
Both mean 'to turn a blind eye,' but 見て見ぬふり emphasizes the act of pretending not to see something one has clearly witnessed, while 目をつぶる often carries a nuance of intentional leniency or forgiveness. 見て見ぬふり can imply cowardice or complicity, whereas 目をつぶる can be an act of mercy.
いじめを見て見ぬふりをするのはよくない。
It's not good to turn a blind eye to bullying.
子供のいたずらに目をつぶる。
To turn a blind eye to a child's mischief.
Do not translate 'turning a blind eye' literally as 盲目の目を向ける. This is nonsensical in Japanese. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.