Translation guide
To monitor someone or something carefully, often to prevent problems or ensure safety. Japanese uses verbs for watching, guarding, or paying attention, with nuances of vigilance and care.
To watch over someone or something attentively, often to prevent harm or mistakes.
Literally 'watch and protect'. Implies watching over with care and concern, often for children, patients, or situations.
親は子供の成長を見守るものだ。
Parents should keep a watchful eye on their children's growth.
医者は患者の容態を見守っている。
The doctor is keeping a watchful eye on the patient's condition.
Literally 'not take one's eyes off'. Emphasizes constant visual attention, often for safety.
小さい子供から目を離さないでください。
Please keep a watchful eye on small children.
料理中は鍋から目を離さないように。
Keep a watchful eye on the pot while cooking.
Literally 'watch with attention'. A straightforward way to say watch carefully.
彼の行動を注意して見てください。
Please keep a watchful eye on his behavior.
Means 'to monitor' or 'to keep under surveillance'. Often used for security or formal monitoring, can sound overly strict.
警察は容疑者を監視している。
The police are keeping a watchful eye on the suspect.
To watch for signs of danger or misbehavior, often with a protective or preventive stance.
Means 'to be vigilant' or 'to be on guard'. Used for watching out for danger or suspicious activity.
不審者に警戒してください。
Keep a watchful eye out for suspicious people.
台風の接近に警戒が必要だ。
We need to keep a watchful eye on the approaching typhoon.
Means 'to pay attention' or 'to be attentive'. Broader than just watching, includes being mindful of surroundings.
To observe someone's activities or development, often with a sense of responsibility or interest.
Means 'to keep watch' or 'to stand guard'. Can be used for watching someone to prevent escape or misbehavior, or simply observing.
子供たちが危ないことをしないか見張っている。
I'm keeping a watchful eye on the kids so they don't do anything dangerous.
Literally 'watch over movements/trends'. Used for monitoring someone's actions or a situation's development.
市場の動向を見守る必要がある。
We need to keep a watchful eye on market trends.
見守る (mimamoru) implies watching with care and affection, often for protection. 見張る (miharu) implies watching to prevent something bad, like a guard. Use 見守る for nurturing contexts, 見張る for security or surveillance.
The English phrase 'keep a watchful eye on' is idiomatic. Direct translations like '用心深い目を保つ' are unnatural. Use the Japanese expressions provided instead.
Literally 'make one's eyes shine'. Implies watching sharply for wrongdoing or mistakes, often used by authorities or supervisors.
先生はカンニングに目を光らせている。
The teacher is keeping a watchful eye out for cheating.
安全に気を配ってください。
Please keep a watchful eye on safety.