Translation and Meaning of: 睨む - niramu

If you have ever watched an anime or Japanese movie, you have probably seen a character 睨む (にらむ) – that is, staring at someone with a fixed and intense gaze. This word carries interesting nuances in the Japanese language, going beyond the simple "look." In this article, we will explore the meaning, cultural usage, and even tips to memorize this expressive term. If you want to understand how the Japanese use this word in their daily lives, keep reading!

The meaning and usage of 睨む (にらむ)

The word 睨む (にらむ) is a verb that means "to glare" or "to stare intently," often with hostility, suspicion, or concentration. Unlike a common look, such as 見る (みる), it carries a stronger emotional weight. It can be used in both confrontational situations ("he glared at me with anger") and in contexts of careful analysis ("the detective stared at the clues").

In Japan, the act of 睨む can be considered rude depending on the context, as the culture values discretion and avoiding open conflicts. For example, in public places like trains, a prolonged gaze can be interpreted as invasive. However, in competitions or heated discussions, it is more common to see this behavior.

The origin and writing of the kanji 睨む

The kanji 睨む is composed of two elements: the radical 目 (め), which means "eye," and 兒 (がi), which used to represent a child but functions here as a phonetic component. Together, they convey the idea of "fixing one’s eyes on something." This construction well reflects the meaning of the word, as the act of staring is directly linked to the gaze.

It is worth noting that 睨む is not an extremely common term in everyday language, appearing more in narratives, discussions, or descriptions of conflicts. In informal conversations, Japanese people might use simpler expressions, such as じっと見る (jitto miru – to gaze), but 睨む carries a more dramatic weight.

How to memorize and use 睨む correctly

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with striking scenes from animes or dramas where characters stare at each other intensely. For example, in shounen confrontations or in suspenseful scenes, the verb appears frequently. This visual association helps to reinforce not only the meaning but also the emotional context behind it.

When using 睨む, pay attention to the tone of the situation. If you say "あの人は私をにらんだ" (that person stared at me), it can give the impression of hostility. For a more neutral look, prefer alternatives like 見つめる (みつめる – to contemplate) or 眺める (ながめる – to observe). Remember: in Japanese, the choice of words completely changes the nuance of the sentence.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 睨む

• 睨む Dictionary form
• 睨まない Negative
• 睨みます polite
• 睨まなかった negative past
• 睨むでしょう potential

Synonyms and similar words

• 睨み (nirami) - A fixed/sharp gaze, usually of anger or hostility.
• 見つめる (mitsumeru) - Look closely, observe with concentration.
• 見据える (misueru) - To gaze intently at something, usually with intention or determination.
• 目を光らせる (me wo hikaraseru) - Attentive gaze, watching intensely.
• 睨みつける (niramitsukeru) - To cast a threatening or hostile glance.
• にらむ (niramu) - Looking stealthily, with suspicion or hostility.
• じっと見る (jitto miru) - Stare intently, without moving.
• じろりと見る (jirori to miru) - A glance, usually to assess or criticize.
• 見詰める (mitsumeru) - Gaze intensely, as in contemplation.
• 見返す (mikaesu) - Looking back or returning the gaze is often challenging.
• 見続ける (mi tsuzukeru) - Keep looking, observe persistently.
• 見守る (mimamoru) - Observe with attention and concern, loving vigilance.
• 見張る (miharu) - To watch, to observe something or someone closely.
• 見回す (mi mawasu) - Look around, examine the environment.
• 見つめ直す (mitsume naosu) - Reconsider or review the way of looking, reflecting.
• 見つめ続ける (mitsume tsuzukeru) - Keep looking, without averting your gaze.
• 見つめ合う (mitsume au) - Exchanging glances, staring intently at each other.
• 見つめ返す (mitsume kaesu) - Respond to a gaze, return to looking intently.
• 見つめるように話す (mitsumeru you ni hanasu) - Speak while staring intently.
• 見つめるように聞く (mitsumeru you ni kiku) - Listen attentively while looking intently.
• 見つめるように考える (mitsumeru you ni kangaeru) - To ponder or reflect in a contemplative and attentive manner.
• 見つめるように感じる (mitsumeru you ni kanjiru) - Feeling completely immersed or focused.
• 見つめるよ (mitsumeru yo) - Expression of looking fixedly.

睨む

Romaji: niramu
Kana: にらむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: To look; to make a face; keep an eye out

Meaning in English: to glare at;to scowl at;to keep an eye on

Definition: Look attentively at the eyes with hostility or suspicion.

Example Sentences - (睨む) niramu

See below some example sentences:

彼女は私を睨んだ。

Kanojo wa watashi o niranda

She looked at me angrily.

She looked at me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 睨んだ (niranda) - stared, faced