Translation guide
The English word "saw" can be a noun (tool) or the past tense of "see". This guide covers both meanings, with a focus on natural Japanese equivalents.
A hand tool or power tool with a toothed blade for cutting wood or other materials.
General term for a saw, especially a hand saw.
のこぎりで木を切る。
I cut wood with a saw.
Electric saw or power saw.
電動のこぎりを使うと早い。
It's faster if you use an electric saw.
Chainsaw, used for cutting trees or large pieces of wood.
チェーンソーで枝を切った。
I cut the branch with a chainsaw.
The action of perceiving with the eyes in the past.
Plain past form of 見る (to see). Used in casual speech.
昨日、映画を見た。
I saw a movie yesterday.
Polite past form of 見る. Used in formal situations.
先週、その展覧会を見ました。
I saw that exhibition last week.
Humble past form of 見る. Used when the speaker saw something of the listener's or a superior's.
お手紙を拝見しました。
I saw (read) your letter.
To have met or encountered a person in the past.
Plain past form of 会う (to meet). Used for casual encounters.
昨日、友達に会った。
I saw (met) a friend yesterday.
Polite past form of 会う.
先日、先生に会いました。
I saw (met) my teacher the other day.
Humble past form of 会う. Used when meeting a superior or customer.
先日はお会いできて嬉しかったです。
I was glad to see (meet) you the other day.
To have understood or realized something in the past.
Plain past form of わかる (to understand). Often used when you "see" a point or reason.
ああ、そういうことか。やっとわかった。
Oh, I see. I finally got it.
More formal past form of 理解する (to comprehend).
彼の説明で問題を理解した。
I saw (understood) the problem from his explanation.
To have accompanied someone to a place or to have seen them off.
Plain past form of 送る (to send/escort). Used when you saw someone to the station, etc.
駅まで彼女を送った。
I saw her to the station.
Plain past form of 見送る (to see off). Emphasizes watching someone leave.
空港で友達を見送った。
I saw my friend off at the airport.
When "saw" means meeting someone, use 会う (あう), not 見る. 見る implies just looking at them, not interacting.
昨日、友達を見た。
I saw a friend yesterday (just looked at them, didn't meet).
昨日、友達に会った。
I saw (met) a friend yesterday.
To say you saw a movie, play, or event, 見る is natural. For actively watching, 観る (みる) is sometimes used for movies/plays, but 見る is common.