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
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 見る and 見通す.
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, 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 "見る"
テレビを見ます。
I watch TV.
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: "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.". "見通す" represents "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view".