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.
テレビを見る。
I watch TV.
I saw a movie yesterday.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible' or 'can see'. Used when something comes into sight naturally, not by intention.
I can see Mt. Fuji.
Can you see the ocean from here?
To happen to see, to catch sight of. Implies noticing someone or something by chance.
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.
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.
I see, I understand.
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.
I understand his feelings.
Expressing that you are meeting or going to see a person.
Expressing the way you view or consider a situation.
Accompanying someone to their departure point.
To see someone off, to escort to the station/airport etc.
I saw her off at the station.
Seeing someone romantically.
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.
I see, I understand.
なるほど、そういうことか。
I see, so that's how it is.
I will see the company president.
We see that as a crime.