Translation guide
How to express 'keep an eye on' in Japanese, covering watching over someone/something, monitoring a situation, and looking after someone temporarily.
To watch or take care of someone or something, ensuring their safety or proper condition.
To watch over someone or something with care and attention, often from a distance or without direct intervention. Implies a protective or supportive stance.
子供たちが安全に遊んでいるか見守ってください。
Please keep an eye on the children to make sure they are playing safely.
彼はプロジェクトの進捗を見守っている。
He is keeping an eye on the progress of the project.
Literally 'not take one's eyes off'. Used when you need to watch something continuously without distraction, often because it's dangerous or important.
小さい子からは目を離さないでください。
Please don't take your eyes off the small child. (Keep an eye on the small child.)
料理中は鍋から目を離さないように。
Make sure to keep an eye on the pot while cooking.
To be careful or pay attention to something. More general than 'keep an eye on', but can be used when you want to watch out for potential problems.
足元に気をつけてください。
Please watch your step. (Keep an eye on your footing.)
彼の様子に気をつけておいて。
Keep an eye on how he's doing.
To take care of or look after someone, especially when they need help. Implies a more active caretaking role.
隣の家の犬の面倒を見てくれませんか？
Could you keep an eye on the neighbor's dog? (take care of it)
To keep watch or stand guard. Used when you need to monitor for security or to prevent something bad from happening. Can sound a bit strict or vigilant.
泥棒が入らないように家を見張ってください。
Please keep an eye on the house so that no burglar enters.
To observe a situation or process over time, often waiting for a change or result.
To watch how a situation develops, often before taking action. Very common in medical or problem-solving contexts.
しばらく様子を見ましょう。
Let's keep an eye on it for a while.
症状が悪化しないか様子を見てください。
Please keep an eye on whether the symptoms worsen.
To watch the progress or course of something, often used in formal or medical contexts.
患者の経過を見守っています。
We are keeping an eye on the patient's progress.
To watch the movements or trends closely, often used in business or politics.
市場の動向を注視しています。
We are keeping a close eye on market trends.
To take care of someone or something for a short period, often as a favor.
To take care of someone or something temporarily on behalf of another person. Commonly used for babysitting or pet sitting.
ちょっとの間、子供を預かってもらえますか？
Could you keep an eye on my child for a little while?
旅行中、犬を預かってくれる？
Can you keep an eye on my dog while I'm traveling?
To watch something for a while, often used casually when you want someone to keep an eye on your belongings.
荷物を見ておいてもらえますか？
Could you keep an eye on my luggage?
見守る implies watching over with care, often from a distance, while 目を離さない means not taking your eyes off something, emphasizing continuous attention. Use 見守る for supportive watching and 目を離さない when constant vigilance is needed.
親は子供の成長を見守る。
Parents watch over their children's growth.
赤ちゃんから目を離さないで。
Don't take your eyes off the baby.
The literal translation '目を保つ' (keep an eye) is not used in Japanese. Avoid direct translations and use the phrases provided.