Japanese word

仰ぐ

Pronunciation

Romajiaogu

Meaning

  • verblook up at

Example

夜空を仰ぎます。yo zora o ao gi ma su

I look up at the night sky.

Illustration for 仰ぐ (look up at)

More examples

困ったときは、先生に助言を仰ぎます。koma tta to ki wa sen sei ni jo gen o ao gi ma su

When I have trouble, I ask my teacher for advice.

Core concept

It involves directing one's gaze, respect, or reliance upward toward something seen as above oneself.

Common phrases

  • 助言を仰ぐjo gen o ao gu

    seek advice

  • 指示を仰ぐshi ji o ao gu

    seek instructions

  • 判断を仰ぐhan dan o ao gu

    seek a decision

Similar words

見上げるmiageru: To direct the eyes upward toward something above.

Definition in Japanese

顔を上に向けて見る。また、目上の人を敬い、頼りにする。kao o ue ni mu ke te mi ru ma ta me ue no hito o uyama i tayo ri ni su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 仰ぐ (aogu) appears in the older form あふぐ (afugu); no reliable analysis of its parts establishes a more specific origin.

Usage tips

  • 仰ぐ (aogu) has a more literary tone than the everyday expression for looking up, so it often appears in descriptions or formal speech.

Other meanings

  • look up toverb
  • seek helpverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word