Taking someone lightly with 甘く見る

The expression 甘(あま)く見(み)る translates as “to underestimate” or “to take something lightly”. It conveys the idea of viewing a situation or a person in a lenient, easygoing way, often underestimating its complexity or importance. The nuance implies a lack of seriousness or a failure to recognize the full extent of something. It carries a cautionary tone, urging not to be too casual or careless in judgment.

Examples

Don't underestimate your mother with 甘く見る

Meimi’s mother stops by Meimi’s room with a couple of movie tickets. She says she and Meimi’s father have already seen the movie, so she’s offering them to Meimi. She says the movie is very romantic, and suggests Meimi has someone she’d want to see it with.

芽美(めいみ):

「マ…　ママ知(し)って…」

“Mom, you knew...?”

ママ:

「ママを甘(あま)く見(み)ないことね」

“Don't underestimate Mom.”