Translation guide
How to express that something is visible, can be seen, or is perceived in Japanese. Includes passive, potential, and spontaneous forms.
It can be seen.
He was seen there.
Expressing that something is in sight or can be seen.
The most common way to say something is visible or can be seen. This is an intransitive verb that indicates spontaneous visibility, not a passive.
Mt. Fuji can be seen from here.
Literally 'enter the eye', meaning something comes into view, often unexpectedly or naturally.
More formal/literary, meaning 'enter one's field of vision'.
A ship came into view.
Expressing that someone or something is seen by someone else, often with a passive nuance.
Passive form of 見る (to see). Used when the subject is seen by someone. Can also mean 'can be seen' in potential form, but context distinguishes.
Expressing that someone or something is perceived or considered in a certain way.
Passive of 見なす (to regard as). Used when someone is considered or treated as something.
Describing how someone or something appears or is observed to be.
Also used to mean 'look' or 'appear' when describing a state. Often followed by ～そう or adjective.
見える (mieru) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible' or 'can see' spontaneously. 見られる (mirareru) is the passive/potential form of 見る (miru) and implies an agent or ability. Use 見える for natural visibility, and 見られる when someone is seen or when permission/ability is involved.
The stars are clearly visible.
その看板がふと目に入った。
That sign suddenly caught my eye.
He is often seen around town.
The cat wasn't seen by anyone.
A formal passive expression meaning 'can be observed' or 'is seen', often used in written or formal contexts.
Signs of improvement can be seen recently.
Passive of 目撃する (to witness), meaning 'to be witnessed' or 'to be spotted', often for events or crimes.
The crime was witnessed.
He is seen as a leader.
Spontaneous passive of 思う (to think), meaning 'is thought to be' or 'is seen as'. Often used for impressions.
He is seen as an honest person.
Passive of 受け取る (to interpret), meaning 'to be taken as' or 'to be perceived as'.
The remark was seen as criticism.
He looks tired.
Those clothes look expensive.
Formal way to say 'appears to be' or 'seems', based on observation.
He appears to be in good spirits.
The mountain can be seen (e.g., from a certain spot, or by someone).
English often uses passive 'be seen' where Japanese prefers active or intransitive expressions. For simple visibility, 見える is more natural than 見られる.