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
見通す
みとおす (mitoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "see" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拝見する and 見通す.
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, 見通す (みとおす (mitoosu)) maps to "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used for literal sight. 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 "見通す"
彼はそのプロジェクトの成功を最初から見通していた。
He foresaw the success of that project from the beginning.
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.". "見通す" represents "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view".