Translation guide
The English phrase 'seeing and hearing' refers to the acts of visual and auditory perception. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through paired verbs or nouns, with the most common being 見聞きする (to see and hear, i.e., to experience through one's own senses). Depending on context, it can also be expressed with compound nouns like 視聴 (viewing and listening, often for media) or 見聞 (knowledge gained through seeing and hearing).
I saw and heard a lot.
Watch and listen to the video.
Expressing the act of using both sight and hearing to perceive or experience something directly.
A compound verb meaning 'to see and hear', often implying gaining knowledge or experience through direct observation. Common in everyday speech.
I will report on what I saw and heard on site.
I saw and heard a lot during my trip.
A more formal or literary term for observing and learning through seeing and hearing. Often used in written contexts.
To broaden one's knowledge through overseas observation.
A more explicit phrase using the -tari form to list actions: 'doing things like seeing and hearing'. Emphasizes the variety of sensory experiences.
Referring to the act of watching and listening to media such as TV, videos, or audio content.
Specifically means 'to watch and listen' to broadcasts or recordings. Commonly used for TV programs, online videos, etc.
Did you watch (and listen to) that program?
The audience rating went up.
Refers to 'audio-visual' as a field or equipment. Used in educational or technical contexts.
Referring to information or experience acquired by observing and listening.
A noun meaning 'knowledge or experience gained through seeing and hearing'. Often used in phrases like 見聞を広める (broaden one's horizons).
Travel is a good opportunity to broaden your knowledge.
Literally 'things seen and heard', used to refer to one's experiences or gathered information.
I take notes on what I see and hear.
見聞きする is used for general real-life sensory experiences, while 視聴する is specifically for media consumption (TV, videos, etc.). Do not use 視聴する for live, in-person events.
I saw and heard at the concert.
I watched (a broadcast of) the concert.
Avoid directly translating 'seeing and hearing' as 見ることと聞くこと. While grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use the compound verbs or nouns above instead.
Seeing and hearing are important senses.
When referring to the senses themselves, use 視覚 (sight) and 聴覚 (hearing) rather than the action phrase.
I enjoy seeing and hearing new things when I travel.
I enjoyed seeing and hearing things at the museum.
Use audio-visual teaching materials.