Japanese word

省みる

Pronunciation

Romajikaerimiru

Meaning

  • verbreflect on

Example

過去の行いを省みます。ka ko no okona i o kaeri mi ma su

I reflect on my past actions.

Illustration for 省みる (reflect on)

More examples

批判を受けたときは、自分の態度を省みます。hi han o u ke ta to ki wa ji bun no tai do o kaeri mi ma su

When I receive criticism, I reflect on my own attitude.

Core concept

Describes turning one's attention back to one's own past conduct in order to examine it.

Common phrases

  • 過去を省みるka ko o kaeri mi ru

    reflect on the past

  • 自分を省みるji bun o kaeri mi ru

    reflect on oneself

Similar words

反省するhanseisuru: To examine past actions or behavior critically, often to recognize faults.
振り返るfurikaeru: To look back on past actions, experiences, or events and consider them.
自省するjiseisuru: To examine one's own thoughts and conduct inwardly.

Definition in Japanese

自分が過去にしたことを振り返り、改めて考える。ji bun ga ka ko ni shi ta ko to o fu ri kae ri arata me te kanga e ru

Word origin

The native verb 省みる (kaerimiru, "to reflect on one's conduct") comes from 返り見る (kaerimiru, "to look back and examine"), while 省 (shō, "examine") conveys the written meaning.

Usage tips

  • 省みる (kaerimiru) is especially useful for describing a person or institution that examines past actions before changing future conduct.

Other meanings

  • look back onverb

Word lists with this word