Translation and Meaning of: 眺め - nagame

If you are studying Japanese or are simply interested in the culture of the country, you may have come across the word 眺め (ながめ). It carries a meaning that goes beyond a simple translation, involving visual perceptions and even a certain contemplation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it. After all, understanding terms like this is essential for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the language.

The Suki Nihongo dictionary is a great resource for learning words like 眺め, which often have nuances that are difficult to capture in other languages. Here, you will discover not only the literal meaning but also how the Japanese use it in different contexts. Let's start with its most basic definition and then move on to more specific uses.

What does 眺め (ながめ) mean?

In its most direct form, 眺め refers to a "view" or "panorama." However, it carries a connotation of attentive observation, almost contemplative. It's not just about looking at something, but appreciating what is in front of one's eyes. For example, when a Japanese person says 山の眺めが素晴らしい (the view of the mountains is wonderful), they are not just describing what they see but also expressing a sense of admiration.

It is worth noting that this word is frequently used in contexts where natural beauty or the grandeur of a scene is the focus. Places like viewpoints, parks, and even hotel windows with privileged views are often described with 眺め. If you have ever visited Japan, you have probably heard this term in tourist guides or explanatory signs.

The origin and the kanjis of 眺め

The writing of 眺め consists of two kanjis: 眺 (which means "to gaze" or "to observe") and め (a suffix that can indicate nominalization). Together, they reinforce the idea of a prolonged and attentive look. Interestingly, the kanji 眺 appears in other words related to vision, such as 眺望 (ちょうぼう), which also means "panoramic view."

From an etymological point of view, the word has ancient roots in Japanese and maintains its use to this day without significant changes in meaning. Unlike other terms that may gain modern connotations, 眺め (nagame) preserves its essence linked to contemplation. This demonstrates how certain visual concepts are consistently valued in Japanese culture.

How to use 眺め in daily life

In everyday life, Japanese people use 眺め in both casual situations and more formal descriptions. For example, when visiting a friend who lives in a high apartment, you can compliment: ここからの眺めは最高ですね (The view from here is amazing, isn't it?). This type of comment is common and shows appreciation for the surroundings.

Another interesting use appears in commercial establishments. Restaurants or cafés with beautiful views often highlight this in their advertisements, using phrases like 絶景眺めのカフェ (a café with a spectacular view). If you are in Japan, pay attention to these details — they reveal a lot about how the word is applied in practice.

Tips for memorizing 眺め

An effective way to solidify 眺め is to associate it with striking visual experiences. Think of a view that impressed you — be it a landscape, a starry sky, or even a city lit up at night. By creating this emotional connection, it's harder to forget the term. Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting the word into sentences like "このホテルの眺めは素晴らしい" (The view from this hotel is wonderful).

Furthermore, it's worth noting how 眺め appears in animes, dramas, or even in travel videos about Japan. Many audiovisual productions use this word in scenes that highlight landscapes, which helps in understanding its real usage. Over time, you will internalize its meaning and know exactly when to use it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 眺望 (choubou) - Broad view of a scene.
• 見晴らし (miharashi) - Open and clear view, typically in a high location.
• ビュー (byuu) - View or perspective, generally used in more modern contexts.
• パノラマ (panorama) - View that encompasses a wide field, typical of expansive landscapes.
• 全景 (zenkei) - A comprehensive and broad view of a place.
• 展望 (tenbou) - Perspective or view of something, often referring to forecasts.
• 眺めること (nagameru koto) - The act of contemplating or observing something attentively.

眺め

Romaji: nagame
Kana: ながめ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: scene; View; perspective; perspective

Meaning in English: scene;view;prospect;outlook

Definition: To take a closer look at a wide variety of scenarios and things.

Example Sentences - (眺め) nagame

See below some example sentences:

眺めが美しいですね。

Nagame ga utsukushii desu ne

The view is beautiful

The view is beautiful.

• 眺め (nagame) - view, landscape
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 美しい (utsukushii) - Beautiful, lovely
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね (ne) - particle of confirmation or rhetorical question

丘の上から眺める景色は美しいです。

oka no ue kara nagameru keshiki wa utsukushii desu

The view of the hill top is beautiful.

The view of the hill is beautiful.

• 丘の上から - from the top of the hill
• 眺める - observe
• 景色 - landscape
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - is (statement particle)

桟橋から海を眺めるのはとても素晴らしいです。

Sambah de umi wo nagameru no wa totemo subarashii desu

It is wonderful to look at the sea from the pier.

It's great to look at the sea from the pier.

• 桟橋 (sambashi) - a pier, a pier
• から (kara) - from, starting at
• 海 (umi) - the sea
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 眺める (nagameru) - look, contemplate
• の (no) - particle of possession or explanation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very, extremely
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - Wonderful, excellent
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

眺めることは私の好きな趣味です。

Nagameru koto wa watashi no sukina shumi desu

Observing is one of my favorite hobbies.

Watching is my favorite hobby.

• 眺めること - means "to observe" or "to contemplate", it is a verb in the form of a noun.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "眺めること" (observe/contemplate).
• 私の - 私 means "I" and "の" is a grammatical particle that indicates possession, so "私の" means "mine".
• 好きな - 好き means "to like" and "な" is a grammatical particle that indicates an adjective, so "好きな" means "tasty/pleasant".
• 趣味 - means "hobby" or "pastime", it is a noun.
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.