Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "See" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "see", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見ます
みます (mimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見送る
みおくる (miokuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "see" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見ます and 見送る.
In Japanese, 見ます (みます (mimasu)) is typically associated with "to see, to watch, to look" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 見る.
On the other hand, 見送る (みおくる (miokuru)) maps to "to see off; to let pass (a chance/opportunity)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Commonly used for seeing someone off at a station or airport. It can also mean to postpone or let an opportunity pass.. A literal translation of "see" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見ます"
昨日の夜、テレビで映画を見ました。
I watched a movie on TV last night.
Bilingual Context for "見送る"
友達を空港まで見送りました。
I saw my friend off at the airport.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "昨日の夜、テレビで映画を見ました。" (Meaning: "I watched a movie on TV last night.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見ます" fits here because it means "to see, to watch, to look" in the context of: "I watched a movie on TV last night.". "見送る" represents "to see off; to let pass (a chance/opportunity)".