Translation guide
How to say that something is visible, can be seen, or has come into view in Japanese. Covers physical visibility, appearance on the horizon, and metaphorical 'in sight' (goals, end).
To say that something is physically visible or within one's field of vision.
The most common and natural way to say something is visible or can be seen. It is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible'.
The mountain is in sight.
Can you see the ocean from here?
Literally 'enter the eye', meaning something comes into sight, often suddenly or as one looks around.
Suddenly, an old church came into sight.
More formal/literary, 'enter one's field of vision'. Used in descriptive writing.
A ship came into sight.
To say that something appears or becomes visible, often after not being visible.
Combines 見える (be visible) with くる (come), indicating something gradually comes into sight.
The summit came into sight.
The lights of the town came into view.
Means 'to appear' or 'to emerge'. Used when something suddenly or noticeably comes into sight.
Metaphorical use: a goal, end, or solution is within reach or becoming visible.
To express that something seems endless or no solution is visible.
見える is intransitive and means 'is visible'. To say 'I will see/look at something' intentionally, use 見る (みる).
I will watch a movie tomorrow.
見える means 'is visible' (spontaneous, no effort). 見られる means 'can see' (potential form of 見る, implying ability or opportunity). In many cases, 見える is more natural for 'in sight'.
Mt. Fuji is visible from here.
You can see Picasso at this museum.
The moon appeared from behind the clouds.
No economic recovery is in sight.