見える・
見える and 聞こえる describe something naturally being available to sight or hearing, rather than a deliberate act of looking or listening. They can also express whether physical conditions make perception possible.
What the verbs present
見える presents a sight as being within view, while 聞こえる presents a sound as reaching the ears. English often translates them with “can see” or “can hear,” but the Japanese focuses on the thing being visible or audible. The person perceiving it is often left unstated.
Things within sight or hearing
展望台から富士山がよく見える。
Mt. Fuji is clearly visible from the observation deck.
Analyze静かにすると、時計の音が聞こえる。
When things are quiet, the clock can be heard.
Analyze私は眼鏡をかけないと、小さい字が見えない。
I cannot see small print without my glasses.
AnalyzeHere the negative reports perception being impossible under the stated physical condition.
Seeing or hearing a whole event
When what is perceived is an action or scene rather than a single object or sound, put the plain-form clause before のが.
窓から子どもたちが公園で遊んでいるのが見える。
Children playing in the park are visible from the window.
AnalyzeNatural perception versus opportunity
見える describes something being within sight. By contrast, the potential form 見られる can describe having an opportunity or ability to watch something intentionally. English may use “can see” for both, so choose according to the Japanese situation.
More examples
この席なら、字幕が全部見えます。
From this seat, all the subtitles are visible.
Analyze霧が濃くて、向こうの島が見えない。
The fog is thick, so the island beyond it cannot be seen.
Analyzeドアの向こうから赤ちゃんの泣き声が聞こえた。
A baby crying could be heard from the other side of the door.
Analyze二階で誰かが歩いているのが聞こえる。
Someone can be heard walking upstairs.
Analyze海は見えないが、波の音は聞こえる。
The sea is not visible, but the sound of the waves can be heard.
Analyze教室の後ろでは、先生の声がよく聞こえません。
The teacher's voice cannot be heard clearly at the back of the classroom.
Analyze