Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "See" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "see", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見る
みる (miru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
拝見
はいけん (haiken)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "see" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見る and 拝見.
In Japanese, 見る (みる (miru)) is typically associated with "to see, to watch, to look" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for observing something. Polite form is 見ます.
On the other hand, 拝見 (はいけん (haiken)) maps to "to see, to look at (humble form of 見る)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A humble verb used when the speaker sees or looks at something belonging to or presented by someone of higher status.. A literal translation of "see" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見る"
テレビを見ます。
I watch TV.
Bilingual Context for "拝見"
先生の作品を拝見しました。
I humbly saw/looked at the teacher's work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テレビを見ます。" (Meaning: "I watch TV.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見る" fits here because it means "to see, to watch, to look" in the context of: "I watch TV.". "拝見" represents "to see, to look at (humble form of 見る)".