Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "See" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "see", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拝見する
はいけんする (haiken suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見届ける
みとどける (mitodokeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "see" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拝見する and 見届ける.
In Japanese, 拝見する (はいけんする (haiken suru)) is typically associated with "to see, to look at (humble form of 見る)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 謙譲語（けんじょうご）。「見る」の謙譲語です。相手が持っているものや、相手に関するものを見る際に、相手への敬意を示す言葉として使われます。Humble form of 見る.
On the other hand, 見届ける (みとどける (mitodokeru)) maps to "to see (something) through, to make sure (of something), to witness" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies watching something from beginning to end, or confirming a result. Used when you observe something until its conclusion or ensure its outcome.. A literal translation of "see" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拝見する"
課長の資料を拝見しました。
I looked at the section chief's document.
Bilingual Context for "見届ける"
彼女は友人の夢が実現するまで見届けた。
She witnessed her friend's dream come true.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "課長の資料を拝見しました。" (Meaning: "I looked at the section chief's document.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拝見する" fits here because it means "to see, to look at (humble form of 見る)" in the context of: "I looked at the section chief's document.". "見届ける" represents "to see (something) through, to make sure (of something), to witness".