見てて
mitete
The English phrase "watch me" is translated into Japanese as 見てて (mitete) in its default form.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to observe what the speaker is about to do.
Which one should you use?
While 見て (mite) is a command to "look" at something, 見てて (mitete) implies a continuous action, such as "watch me while I do this."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal form 見てて is suitable for use among friends or peers. For a polite way to say "Watch me," use 私を見てください。 When speaking to a superior or someone you do not know well, you should use 見ていてください instead of 見てて.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 見てて is the casual, contracted version of the continuous-state request 見ていて.
How do you pronounce it?
mitete
Did you know?
- In anime, 見てて! is often used as a dramatic trope to signal a 'comeback' moment. It transforms a simple request into a declaration of personal growth or a challenge to a rival.
- The concept of 'watching' can be split between 見る (miru) and 観る (miru). While both are pronounced the same, the latter is specifically used for watching a performance or a movie, making it inappropriate for a casual 'watch me' request.
- Using the doubled version 見て見て! (mite mite!) changes the meaning from 'watch me do this' to 'look at this!', usually used by children to show off a finished result.
Examples in context
- 見てて、今やるから。Mitete, ima yaru kara.Watch me, I'm about to do it.
- すごい技、見ててね。Sugoi waza, mitete ne.Watch me, I'll show you an amazing trick.
- ちゃんと見てて。Chanto mitete.Watch me closely.
Example conversation
Yui is about to perform a dance routine for Ren.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、私のダンス、見てて！Ren, watashi no dansu, mitete!Ren, watch my dance!
- 蓮 Renいいよ、見てるよ。Ii yo, miteru yo.Okay, I'm watching.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、いくよ！Jaa, iku yo!Okay, here I go!
- 蓮 Ren結衣、すごいね！Yui, sugoi ne!Yui, you're amazing!
