1.
to catch a glimpse of, to peek through
To see something briefly, originally through a gap in a fence or hedge.
隙間から中を垣間見た。
I peeked inside through the gap.
一瞬だけ彼女の姿を垣間見た。
I caught a brief glimpse of her.
カーテンの隙間から部屋の中を垣間見ることができた。
I was able to peek into the room through a gap in the curtains.
2.
to get a glimpse of (figuratively)
To perceive or discern a hint of something abstract, such as emotions, intentions, or hidden aspects.
彼の本心を垣間見た。
I caught a glimpse of his true feelings.
その発言に彼の野心が垣間見えた。
His ambition showed through in that remark.
インタビューを通して、その会社の企業文化を垣間見ることができた。
Through the interview, I was able to get a glimpse of the company's corporate culture.
An elegant literary word. The 垣間 originally refers to peeking through a 垣 (fence/hedge).
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜を垣間見る (to catch a glimpse of ~)
- 〜が垣間見える (~ can be glimpsed)
USAGE NOTE:
Frequently used in figurative contexts to describe perceiving hidden aspects of people's character, emotions, or situations. Common in written Japanese and formal speech.