英語の「aware notice realize」の違いをわかりやすく解説｜自然な認識表現を学ぶ

English has many verbs that describe how we see and know things.

Some of these verbs look similar, but they have different meanings and feelings.

In this post, we look at three common and useful verbs: be aware (of), notice, and realize.

These words help you describe how your understanding changes in a situation.

Mastering them will make your English clearer and more natural.

1. Be aware (of) – Ongoing knowledge

Be aware means that you know something is there.

The knowledge continues for a period of time.

It can be active (you are paying attention) or passive (the information is in the background).

Meaning: know that something exists, know that something is happening.

Examples:

Active awareness:

She was aware of everyone looking at her, and she felt nervous.

Passive awareness:

He was aware that his children were safe because he could hear them playing in the garden.

Common patterns:

• be aware of + noun

• be aware that + clause

Examples:

I am aware of the noise outside.

She is aware that the meeting starts at 10.

2. Notice – First moment of attention

Notice means you suddenly start to know something.

It is the first moment when you become aware of something.

Meaning: become aware of something for the first time.

Examples:

He noticed the sudden silence in the garden and went outside to check.

I noticed that she changed her hairstyle.

Important point:

Notice describes the start of the knowledge.

Be aware describes the continuation of the knowledge.

3. Realize – Sudden understanding

Realize means you suddenly understand something.

The focus is not on seeing or hearing, but on the mental understanding.

Meaning: understand something clearly, often after thinking or seeing clues.

Examples:

He realized that the children were watching a big bug in the grass.

I suddenly realized that I had forgotten my keys.

Realize is about understanding the truth, not about seeing or hearing something.

4. Putting Them Together – A Story Example

Here is a simple story to show the difference:

I noticed that my neighbours were arguing when I paused my music and the room became silent.

I played my music again, but I was aware that they continued to argue in the background.

After ten minutes, I realized that they were just watching an action movie. They were not arguing.

• noticed = the first moment I heard the sound

• was aware = the ongoing knowledge that the sound continued

• realized = the new understanding of the true situation

Cultural Note: Direct vs Indirect Expression

In English, perception verbs help you explain your thought process.

English speakers often describe how they discovered information step by step.

This sounds natural and polite.

In Japanese, people sometimes give only the final understanding.

In English, it is common to explain the transition:

I noticed…

Then I was aware…

Finally I realized…

This helps the listener understand your thinking and avoids confusion.

Practice

Choose the best verb for each sentence: notice, be aware, or realize.

1. I didn’t ______ the rain at first, but my clothes started to feel wet.

   A. notice B. be aware of C. realize

2. She was ______ that someone was following her, so she walked faster.

   A. noticed B. aware C. realized

3. After I checked the message twice, I ______ that it was for another person.

   A. notice B. be aware of C. realized

4. When I opened the window, I ______ the smell of coffee from next door.

   A. noticed B. aware C. realized

5. Even while reading, he was ______ of the birds singing outside.

   A. noticed B. aware C. realized

Conclusion

Perception verbs help you explain what you hear, see, feel, and understand.

They also show how your understanding changes over time.

• notice = first moment you become aware

• be aware (of) = ongoing knowledge

• realize = sudden understanding

Using these verbs correctly will make your English clearer and more natural in everyday conversation and business communication.

Answers:

1. A

2. B

3. C

4. A

5. B