見る
miru[mʲiɾɯ̟]
To watch is translated as 見る (miru) in Japanese.
The verb 見る is a general-purpose word used to express the act of seeing, looking at or watching something with your eyes.
Which one should you use?
While 見る is a versatile term that covers seeing, looking and watching, Japanese also has more specific verbs like 観る, which are used specifically for watching performances or movies.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form 見る is used in informal or casual settings, such as when speaking with friends. For most standard social situations, you should use the polite form 見ます.
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese verbs change form to express different nuances. To express the ability to see or watch something, use the potential form 見られる. The te-form 見て can be used to connect actions, such as 'watching and then doing something' or to act as a soft command meaning 'look!'
How do you pronounce it?
miru
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific concept called 見栄 'mie', which refers to a stylized pose used by actors in Kabuki theater to attract the audience's gaze.
- The expression 見る見る is used as an adverb to describe something happening 'right before one's eyes' or very rapidly.
- When you want to say you are 'looking forward to' something, Japanese does not use a verb for 'watching', but rather the phrase 楽しみに待つ (tanoshimi ni matsu), which means 'waiting with pleasure'.
Examples in context
- この番組見る？Do you want to watch this program?This sentence uses 見る to ask if someone wants to watch a program.Tatoeba #220148 by small_snow, translation #57467 by CK
- 映画を見るのが好きです。I like to watch movies.This sentence uses 見る to express a liking for watching movies.Tatoeba #189291 by KK_kaku_, translation #7966911 by CK
- テレビを見るのは楽しいよ。It's fun to watch TV.This sentence uses 見る to describe the enjoyment of watching TV.Tatoeba #201947 by bunbuku, translation #39158 by CK
- 映画を見ます。I watch movies.
- テレビ番組を見ます。I watch TV shows.
- 野球の試合を見ます。I watch baseball games.
- 新しい映画をチェックする。I'll check out the new movie.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hime and Ren are at a museum looking at a painting.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮、この絵を見て。Ren, kono e o mite.Ren, look at this painting.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。よく見るね。Hontō da. Yoku miru ne.You're right. You look closely, don't you?
- 陽葵 Himariもっと近くで見る？Motto chikaku de miru?Shall we look at it from closer up?
- 蓮 Renうん、そうしよう。Un, sō shiyō.Yeah, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 見る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
