How to Say “I Watched” in Japanese

In Japanese, the phrase “I watched” can be expressed in various ways depending on the context, level of formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this phrase with many tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!

---

Formal Ways to Say “I Watched”

When speaking formally in Japanese, it is important to use appropriate language to show respect. Here are some phrases to express “I watched” in a formal setting:

1. 観覧しました (Kanran shimashita) – This is a polite expression used when you want to convey that you watched something, such as a performance or a show. For example:
   
   

   Yesterday, I watched a movie. – 昨日、映画を観覧しました。 (Kinou, eiga o kanran shimashita.)
   Last week, I watched a play. – 先週、舞台を観覧しました。 (Senshuu, butai o kanran shimashita.)

2. ご覧になりました (Go-ran ni narimashita) – This phrase is respectful and formal, often used in formal settings or when referring to influential individuals. Here are a couple of examples:
   
   

   I watched the ceremony on TV. – テレビで式をご覧になりました。 (Terebi de shiki o go-ran ni narimashita.)
   Did you watch the speech by the Prime Minister? – 首相の演説をご覧になりましたか？ (Shushou no enzetsu o go-ran ni narimashita ka?)

Informal Ways to Say “I Watched”

When speaking informally with friends or family, you can use more casual language to express that you watched something. Here are a few common phrases:

1. 見たよ (Mita yo) – This is a simple and casual way to say “I watched” in Japanese. It is commonly used among friends. For example:
   
   

   I watched that anime yesterday. – 昨日、あのアニメ見たよ。 (Kinou, ano anime mita yo.)
   Did you watch the game last night? – 昨晩の試合見た？ (Yuuban no shiai mita?)

2. 観た (Mita) – This is another informal way to express “I watched” and can be used in various contexts.
   
   

   I watched the new movie on Netflix. – 新しい映画Netflixで観たよ。 (Atarashii eiga Netflix de mita yo.)
   She watched the entire TV series. – 彼女はそのテレビシリーズを全部観たんだ。 (Kanojo wa sono terebi shirīzu o zenbu mita nda.)

Regional Variations

While the phrases mentioned above are commonly used throughout Japan, there are some regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. However, it’s important to note that these variations are not extensive and most Japanese speakers will still understand standard Japanese phrases. Here are a couple of examples of regional variations:

1. In the Kansai region, people often use the word 見たんや (Mitanya) instead of 見たよ (Mita yo).
   
   

   I watched the baseball game. – 野球の試合見たんや。 (Yakyuu no shiai mitanya.)
   Did you watch that variety show? – あのバラエティ番組見たんやった？ (Ano baraeti bangumi mitanya tta?)

2. In some parts of the Tohoku region, people might use the phrase 見たぞ (Mita zo) instead of 見たよ (Mita yo).
   
   

   I watched the fireworks. – 花火見たぞ！ (Hanabi mita zo!)
   She watched the concert. – 彼女はコンサート見たぞ！ (Kanojo wa konsaato mita zo!)

Remember, these regional variations are not essential for everyday conversations in Japanese, but they can add flavor and uniqueness to your language skills. Now that you have learned various ways to express “I watched” in both formal and informal settings, feel free to practice using these phrases in context. Watching movies, shows, or performances is a great way to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture. Enjoy!