How to say "lookout" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 見張りみはりnounCovers the watching and guarding sense of 'lookout': keeping watch for danger, guarding a place, or a person assigned to watch. Typical on ships, at posts, or when keeping an eye out generally.
- 監視かんしnoun, suru verb, transitive verbMatches 'lookout' only loosely; its core sense is monitoring, watching, or observation, often close and sustained. Choose it when 'lookout' really means surveillance or observation rather than keeping watch for something expected.
- 張り込みはりこみnounThe stakeout sense of 'lookout': watching a place from a fixed position, typically police observing a location in wait for someone. Use this when 'lookout' implies lying in wait rather than general guarding.
Use 「見張り」 for watching or keeping guard, 監視 for close observation or surveillance, and 「張り込み」 for a stakeout-style lookout kept in position while waiting for someone.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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