What is the difference between "みる" and "診る"?

"みる" means "to see, to watch, to look" (N5), whereas "診る" represents "to examine (medically), to diagnose" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "みる (miru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

みる (miru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

みる (miru)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "みる (miru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

みる (Level: N5): Translates to "to see, to watch, to look" and is used when Transitive verb. Used for watching TV, looking at something, seeing someone. The kanji is 見る..
診る (Level: N3): Maps to "to examine (medically), to diagnose" and carries the nuance of Used specifically for medical examinations by doctors. Distinct from 見る.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "みる"

テレビをみます。

I watch TV.

Bilingual Context for "診る"

医者が病気の子供を診る。

The doctor examines the sick child.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "テレビをみます。" (Meaning: "I watch TV.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "みる" is used for "to see, to watch, to look" in the context: "I watch TV.".