Translation guide
The English verb "see" covers many meanings, from visual perception to understanding and meeting people. Japanese uses different words and structures depending on the intended meaning. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners.
To perceive with the eyes; to notice or observe something visually.
The most common and general verb for 'see', 'look', or 'watch'. Used for intentional and unintentional seeing.
昨日、映画を見ました。
I saw a movie yesterday.
窓から富士山が見える。
I can see Mt. Fuji from the window.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be visible' or 'can see'. Use when something comes into view or is within sight, not for intentional watching.
To happen to see; to catch sight of; to notice someone or something in passing.
Honorific form of 見る, used when the subject is someone you respect. Often used in service contexts.
To understand, comprehend, or realize something.
The most natural way to express 'I see' meaning 'I understand'. It is an intransitive verb, so the thing understood is marked with が.
To meet or visit someone, often for a specific purpose.
General verb for meeting someone. The person you meet is marked with に.
To check, examine, or find out information.
To form a mental image; to imagine or foresee.
To imagine or picture something in your mind.
彼が怒る姿が目に浮かぶ。
I can just see him getting angry.
To escort or accompany someone to a place.
To see someone off, escort them, or walk them to a destination.
To make sure something happens or is done.
Pattern meaning 'to make sure that...' or 'see to it that...'. Attach to verb dictionary form or negative form.
忘れずに提出するようにしてください。
Please see that you submit it without forgetting.
English 'see' has many idiomatic uses that do not involve visual perception. For example, 'I see' meaning 'I understand' is なるほど or わかった, not 見る. Always consider the intended meaning first.
見る is active 'look/watch'. 見える is intransitive 'be visible/can see' (spontaneous). 見られる is potential form of 見る 'can see' (ability or opportunity). Use 見える for things that come into sight naturally; use 見られる when you can see because of circumstances (e.g., 'You can see pandas at the zoo').
ここから富士山が見える。
Mt. Fuji is visible from here.
動物園でパンダが見られる。
You can see pandas at the zoo.
Can you see the ocean from here?
駅でよく彼を見かける。
I often see him at the station.
お客様、こちらの商品をご覧になりますか？
Sir/Madam, would you like to see this product?
ああ、なるほど。わかりました。
Oh, I see. I understand.
彼の言っていることがわからない。
I don't see what he means.
An interjection meaning 'I see!' or 'Indeed!', used when you realize or agree with something.
なるほど、そういうことだったのか。
I see, so that's how it was.
More formal/literary word for 'understand' or 'comprehend'. Suitable for academic or business contexts.
彼の立場を理解しています。
I see his position.
明日、友達に会います。
I'm going to see a friend tomorrow.
Humble expression for meeting someone of higher status. Literally 'to be granted an audience'.
社長にお目にかかりたいのですが。
I would like to see the president.
To look up, check, or investigate. Use when 'see' means consulting a source or verifying something.
スケジュールを調べてみます。
I'll see (check) the schedule.
To confirm or verify. Common in business settings.
メールを確認してください。
Please see (check) your email.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to see in one's mind's eye'.
その光景が目に浮かぶようだ。
I can just see the scene.
駅まで送りましょうか？
Shall I see you to the station?
To see someone off (at an airport, station, etc.). Implies watching them leave.
空港で彼を見送った。
I saw him off at the airport.