Translation guide
The English word 'seeing' can refer to the act of perceiving with the eyes, understanding, meeting someone, or considering something. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the act of seeing something visually.
The most common verb for 'to see' or 'to watch'. Used for intentional viewing.
I watch TV.
昨日、映画を見た。
I saw a movie yesterday.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible' or 'can see'. Used when something comes into sight naturally, not by intention.
富士山が見える。
I can see Mt. Fuji.
ここから海が見えますか。
Can you see the ocean from here?
To happen to see, to catch sight of. Implies noticing someone or something by chance.
駅でよく彼を見かける。
I often see him at the station.
Humble form of 'to see', used when referring to one's own action of looking at something belonging to a superior or customer.
お手紙を拝見しました。
I read your letter (humble).
Expressing that you understand a situation, point, or truth.
The most common way to say 'I see' in the sense of understanding. Often used in the past tense わかった.
なるほど、わかった。
I see, I understand.
問題がわかった。
I see the problem.
Interjection meaning 'I see' or 'indeed', showing that you have understood or accepted an explanation.
Formal verb for 'to understand' or 'to comprehend'. Used in more serious or intellectual contexts.
彼の気持ちを理解する。
I understand his feelings.
Expressing that you are meeting or going to see a person.
The standard verb for 'to meet' or 'to see' a person.
明日、友達に会う。
I'm seeing a friend tomorrow.
昨日、先生に会った。
I saw the teacher yesterday.
Humble expression for 'to meet' or 'to see' a superior. Very polite.
Expressing the way you view or consider a situation.
Pattern meaning 'to view as' or 'to consider as'. Often used in news or analysis.
専門家は景気が回復すると見ている。
Experts are seeing the economy as recovering.
To regard, consider, or deem. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
それを犯罪と見なす。
We see that as a crime.
Accompanying someone to their departure point.
To see someone off, to escort to the station/airport etc.
駅まで彼女を見送った。
I saw her off at the station.
Seeing someone romantically.
The most common way to say 'seeing someone' in a romantic sense. Literally 'going out with'.
彼と付き合っている。
I'm seeing him.
To go on a date. More casual and specific to an outing.
週末にデートする。
I'm seeing someone this weekend (going on a date).
見る (miru) is a transitive verb meaning 'to look at' or 'to watch' intentionally. 見える (mieru) is intransitive and means 'to be visible' or 'can see' without effort. Use 見える when something comes into your sight naturally.
When you want to say 'I see' meaning 'I understand', do not use 見る. Use わかる or the interjection なるほど.
なるほど、わかりました。
I see, I understand.
なるほど、そういうことか。
I see, so that's how it is.
社長にお目にかかる。
I will see the company president.