Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "See" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "see", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見送る
みおくる (miokuru)
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 見送る and 見通す.
In Japanese, 見送る (みおくる (miokuru)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "見送る"
友達を空港まで見送りました。
I saw my friend off at the airport.
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: "友達を空港まで見送りました。" (Meaning: "I saw my friend off at the airport.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見送る" fits here because it means "to see off; to let pass (a chance/opportunity)" in the context of: "I saw my friend off at the airport.". "見通す" represents "to see through, to foresee, to have a clear view".