Translation guide
The English verb "observe" covers several distinct meanings: watching carefully, noticing, following rules or customs, and making remarks. This guide breaks them down into practical Japanese expressions.
To watch something attentively, often for a purpose like study, surveillance, or monitoring.
The most direct equivalent for scientific or systematic observation. Used for watching behavior, nature, experiments, etc.
科学者が細胞を観察している。
The scientist is observing the cells.
鳥の行動を観察するのが好きです。
I like observing bird behavior.
Implies watching over someone or something with care or concern, often without interfering. Used for children, patients, or situations.
Means to keep under surveillance, often with a nuance of monitoring for security or control. Stronger than 観察する.
警察が容疑者を監視している。
The police are observing the suspect.
To become aware of something through the senses, especially sight.
The most natural way to say you noticed something. Covers both visual and abstract noticing.
To comply with or adhere to a rule, tradition, or agreement.
The standard verb for obeying rules, keeping promises, or following customs. Very broad.
To participate in or acknowledge a holiday, festival, or special day.
To say something as a comment or observation.
To state or express an opinion or observation. Neutral and widely used.
The English verb "observe" covers many meanings that require different Japanese words. Using 観察する for "observe a holiday" or 守る for "observe a bird" will sound unnatural. Always match the Japanese expression to the specific meaning.
観察する is neutral, scientific observation. 見守る implies protective watching. 監視する implies surveillance or monitoring for control. Choose based on the intent of the watching.
母親が子供たちを公園で見守っていた。
The mother was observing her children in the park.
彼が部屋に入ったのに誰も気づかなかった。
Nobody observed that he had entered the room.
その間違いに気づきましたか？
Did you observe the mistake?
Specifically means to witness an event, often something dramatic or important.
彼は事故を目撃した。
He observed the accident.
To happen to see someone or something; to notice casually. Common in everyday speech.
昨日駅で彼を見かけた。
I observed him at the station yesterday.
交通規則を守らなければならない。
You must observe traffic rules.
彼はいつも時間を守る。
He always observes punctuality.
To follow or obey, often used for orders, instructions, or higher authority. Slightly more formal than 守る.
規則に従って行動してください。
Please act in observance of the rules.
Formal term for compliance, used in legal, business, or official contexts.
法令を遵守することは重要だ。
It is important to observe laws and regulations.
To celebrate or observe a festive occasion. Commonly used for birthdays, holidays, etc.
日本ではお正月を祝います。
In Japan, we observe New Year's.
A flexible pattern meaning "to hold/conduct (an event)". Used for ceremonies, rituals, or formal observances.
彼らは伝統的な儀式を行った。
They observed a traditional ceremony.
Formal verb for conducting a ceremony or ritual. Often used in religious or solemn contexts.
神道の儀式を執り行う。
To observe a Shinto ritual.
彼は「それは不公平だ」と述べた。
He observed that it was unfair.
Literally "to say an opinion". A common way to express making an observation or comment.
彼女はその問題について意見を言った。
She observed on the issue.
To point out or indicate, often used when drawing attention to a fact or mistake.
先生は私の間違いを指摘した。
The teacher observed my mistake.