Translation guide
The English word "sight" covers several distinct meanings: the physical sense of vision, the act of seeing something, something worth seeing (a tourist attraction), and the mechanism on a gun. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
The physical ability to see; one of the five senses.
Refers specifically to visual acuity or eyesight, often used in medical or testing contexts.
The sense of sight as one of the five senses, often used in scientific or formal contexts.
視覚以外の感覚
senses other than sight
A common, everyday way to say someone has the ability to see.
彼は目が見えない。
He cannot see. (He is blind.)
The moment or action of seeing something, often suddenly or from a distance.
The intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible' or 'can see'. Use this when something comes into sight naturally.
遠くに山が見える。
I can see mountains in the distance.
ここから富士山が見えますか？
Can you see Mt. Fuji from here?
Transitive verb meaning 'to find' or 'to spot'. Use when you actively look for and find something.
Literally 'enter the eye', meaning something catches your eye or comes into view, often unintentionally.
A single glance; often used in phrases like 'at first sight'.
A place or thing that is visually impressive and often visited by tourists.
Standard term for a tourist attraction or famous sightseeing spot.
京都には観光名所がたくさんある。
There are many sights to see in Kyoto.
A famous place or scenic spot, often used in guidebooks.
この町の名所を教えてください。
Please tell me about the sights of this town.
Highlights or points worth seeing; often used for events, performances, or places.
Scenery or view, often used for natural landscapes.
The device on a firearm used for aiming.
General term for a sighting device on a gun.
ライフルに照準器を取り付ける。
Attach a sight to the rifle.
Loanword from English, commonly used for optical sights like red dot sights.
ドットサイト
red dot sight
English uses 'sight' in many idiomatic ways. For example, 'out of sight' is often translated as 見えなくなる (disappear from view) or 視界から消える, not a direct word-for-word translation. Always consider the intended meaning first.
見える (mieru) means something is visible or comes into sight naturally. 見られる (mirareru) is the potential form of 見る and implies you have the opportunity or permission to see something. For 'sight' as in catching sight of something, 見える is usually more natural.
ここから海が見える。
You can see the ocean from here. (It's visible.)
この映画はネットで見られる。
You can watch this movie online. (You have the opportunity.)
人混みの中で友達を見つけた。
I spotted my friend in the crowd.
その看板が目に入った。
That sign caught my eye.
I knew it was him at first sight.
この祭りの見どころは何ですか？
What are the sights (highlights) of this festival?
The sight from the window is wonderful.