見送る
見送る in 30 Seconds
- 見送る means to see someone off as they leave.
- It involves accompanying them until their departure.
- It's a common polite gesture in Japan.
- Often used at stations, airports, or when guests leave.
Understanding 見送る (Miokuru): More Than Just Saying Goodbye
The Japanese verb 見送る (miokuru) is a rich expression that extends beyond a simple farewell. At its core, it means 'to see off' or 'to accompany someone as they leave.' This can range from a casual wave goodbye to a more formal escorting of a guest or loved one. It carries a sense of care, respect, and acknowledgment of the departure. You'll encounter this word in various situations, from everyday goodbyes at train stations to significant life events like seeing someone off to a new country or a long journey.
- Everyday Farewells
- When a friend or family member is leaving your home, you might say 「お見送りします」(o-miokuri shimasu) meaning 'I will see you off.' This is a common courtesy.
- Travel and Journeys
- At train stations, airports, or bus terminals, people often 見送る others. This could be for business trips, vacations, or even moving away.
- Formal Occasions
- In more formal settings, such as a company seeing off a retiring executive or a school seeing off graduating students on their next path, 見送る is used to show respect and well wishes.
- Figurative Use
- Less commonly, it can be used figuratively to mean 'to let something pass' or 'to overlook,' but the primary meaning of accompanying someone leaving is far more prevalent.
駅まで友達を見送りました。
卒業生を温かく見送る会が開かれました。
The nuance of 見送る lies in the act of accompanying someone until they are out of sight or have reached their immediate destination. It's a gesture that conveys care and a positive parting. For instance, seeing a child off to school, a spouse off to work, or a guest off to their transportation are all common scenarios where this verb is used.
- Family Departures
- When a family member is going on a trip, the remaining family members often go to the station or airport to 見送る them, offering final words of encouragement and love.
- Guest Hospitality
- As a host, it's customary to escort your guests to the door or even to their mode of transport to 見送る them, showing continued hospitality.
両親が空港まで私を見送ってくれた。
彼は飛行機に乗るまで、彼女に見送られた。
The verb is also used when someone is leaving for a significant event, like a student studying abroad or a soldier deploying. The act of 見送る in these cases is often imbued with a mix of pride, sadness, and hope for their safe return or success.
Mastering 見送る: Sentence Structures and Nuances
Using 見送る effectively involves understanding its grammatical behavior and common sentence patterns. As a transitive verb, it typically takes an object, which is the person or thing being seen off. The particle を (o) is used to mark this object. The verb conjugates like any other Group 1 (godan) verb in Japanese.
- Basic Structure: Subject + Object + を + 見送る
- This is the most straightforward way to use the verb. For example, 「私が彼を駅まで見送った。」 (Watashi ga kare o eki made miokutta.) - 'I saw him off to the station.'
- Passive Voice: Object + が/は + Verb Stem + れる
- The passive form, 見送られる (miokurareru), is used when the subject is the one being seen off. For instance, 「彼女は友達に空港まで見送られた。」 (Kanojo wa tomodachi ni kuukou made miokurareta.) - 'She was seen off to the airport by her friends.'
- Te-form for Continuous Action or Connection
- The te-form, 見送って (miokutte), is used to connect clauses or to indicate a continuous action. For example, 「子供たちを学校まで見送ってから、仕事に行きます。」 (Kodomotachi o gakkou made miokutte kara, shigoto ni ikimasu.) - 'After seeing the children off to school, I will go to work.'
- Volitional Form: Verb Stem + ō
- The volitional form, 見送ろう (miokurō), suggests an intention or invitation to see someone off. 「みんなで彼を励ましながら見送ろう。」 (Minna de kare o hagemashi nagara miokurō.) - 'Let's all see him off while encouraging him.'
お客様を玄関まで見送りましょう。
彼は新しい仕事のために旅立ち、家族に見送られた。
Consider the particles used with 見送る. While を marks the direct object, other particles can indicate the destination or purpose of seeing someone off.
- Destination Markers (e.g., まで - made)
- Often, you'll see まで (made) used to specify how far you are seeing someone off, like 「駅まで見送る」(eki made miokuru - to see someone off to the station).
- Purpose or Reason (e.g., ために - tame ni)
- Less common, but possible, is indicating a reason. 「彼の成功を祈って見送る」(Kare no seikou o inotte miokuru) - 'To see him off, praying for his success.'
卒業生たちが、先生に見送られながら、未来へと歩み出した。
親は子供が学校へ行くのを、毎日見送る。
Real-World Encounters with 見送る
You'll hear 見送る (miokuru) in a multitude of everyday and significant situations in Japan. Its prevalence stems from the cultural importance placed on politeness, hospitality, and acknowledging transitions. Here's where you're most likely to encounter this versatile verb:
- Transportation Hubs
- Train stations and airports are prime locations. Families see off students going to university, business people embarking on trips, or friends heading for vacation. You might hear announcements like 「出発する列車を見送る方々へ、ホームから離れてください。」 (Shuppatsu suru ressha o miokuru katagata e, hoomu kara hanarete kudasai.) - 'To those seeing off the departing train, please move away from the platform.'
- Home Departures
- When guests leave your home, especially if they are staying overnight or have traveled a distance, it's common to walk them to the door or even to their car or taxi. 「どうぞ、お見送りは結構です。」 (Douzo, o-miokuri wa kekkou desu.) - 'Please, you don't need to see me off.'
- School and University
- Graduation ceremonies are a major event where 見送る is used. Students are seen off by teachers and parents as they move into the next phase of their lives. You might hear speeches mentioning 「卒業生を未来へと見送る」 (Sotsugyousei o mirai e to miokuru) - 'seeing off the graduates towards their future.'
- Workplace Farewells
- When a colleague is transferred, retires, or leaves the company, a farewell gathering is held, and they are often seen off with speeches and applause. 「長年勤めた社員を盛大に見送る会」 (Naganen tsutometa shain o seidai ni miokuru kai) - 'A grand party to see off employees who worked for many years.'
空港で、息子が留学のために旅立つのを見送った。
祭りの終わりには、参加者たちが祭りの関係者を見送る。
Even in less dramatic scenarios, like a neighbor leaving for a short trip, you might offer to 見送る them to their car. It's a gesture that reinforces social bonds and shows consideration.
- Social Gatherings
- When guests depart from a party or dinner, the host will typically see them off to the door or their transportation. 「お見送り、ありがとうございます。」 (O-miokuri, arigatou gozaimasu.) - 'Thank you for seeing me off.'
- Public Announcements
- You might hear public address systems at stations instructing people not to block the way while seeing others off. 「見送りのお客様は、速やかにホームからご退場ください。」 (Miokuri no okyakusama wa, sumiyaka ni hoomu kara go-taijou kudasai.) - 'Customers seeing others off, please leave the platform promptly.'
彼女は、彼が遠い国へ旅立つことを知って、涙ながらに見送った。
子供たちは、遠足に行く友達を、バス停まで見送った。
Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes with 見送る
While 見送る (miokuru) is a common verb, learners can sometimes misuse it, leading to confusion or unnatural phrasing. Understanding these common mistakes can significantly improve your fluency.
- Confusing with 送る (Okuru)
- The most frequent confusion is between 見送る (miokuru) and 送る (okuru). 送る is a broader term meaning 'to send' (e.g., a letter, an email, a gift) or 'to escort/send off' in a more general sense, but without the specific visual aspect of 'watching someone leave.' 見送る specifically implies accompanying someone visually until they depart. Mistake: 「友達にメールを見送る。」 (Tomodachi ni meeru o miokuru.) - This is incorrect; you would use 送る for sending an email. Correct: 「友達にメールを送る。」 (Tomodachi ni meeru o okuru.) or 「友達を駅まで見送る。」 (Tomodachi o eki made miokuru.) - 'To see a friend off to the station.'
- Overusing the Figurative Meaning
- While 見送る can sometimes mean 'to overlook' or 'to let something pass,' this usage is much less common and often context-dependent. Relying on this meaning when the primary sense is intended can lead to misunderstandings. Mistake: 「彼の遅刻を見送ることにした。」 (Kare no chikoku o miokuru koto ni shita.) - While grammatically possible to mean 'decided to overlook his lateness,' it sounds a bit unusual. More natural: 「彼の遅刻を大目に見ることにした。」 (Kare no chikoku o oome ni miru koto ni shita.) - 'Decided to overlook his lateness.'
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- The direct object of 見送る (the person being seen off) should be marked with を (o). Using other particles inappropriately can create grammatical errors. Mistake: 「友達がに駅まで見送った。」 (Tomodachi ga ni eki made miokutta.) - Incorrect particle. Correct: 「友達を駅まで見送った。」 (Tomodachi o eki made miokutta.)
- Ignoring the 'Visual' Aspect
- The '見' (mi) in 見送る literally means 'to see.' This implies a visual component. If you are simply arranging for someone's departure without physically being there to see them off, 見送る might not be the most appropriate verb. Mistake: 「飛行機が遅れたので、私は家から見送るしかなかった。」 (Hikouki ga okureta node, watashi wa ie kara miokuru shika nakatta.) - This implies you were physically seeing it off from home, which is contradictory. More accurate: 「飛行機が遅れたため、私は家から見守るしかなかった。」 (Hikouki ga okureta tame, watashi wa ie kara mimamoru shika nakatta.) - 'Because the flight was delayed, all I could do was watch from home.' Or, if you meant arranging for someone else to see them off: 「友人に駅まで見送ってもらうよう頼んだ。」 (Yuujin ni eki made miokutte morau you tanonda.) - 'I asked my friend to see them off to the station.'
間違った使い方: 彼はにプレゼントを送った。
正しい使い方: 彼は友達を駅まで見送った。
Another subtle error can be in the politeness level. While 見送る itself isn't inherently formal or informal, the surrounding language and conjugation choice will determine the overall politeness. Using casual forms in a formal setting or vice versa can be a mistake.
- Incorrect Conjugation
- Using an inappropriate verb form for the context. For example, using the plain form in a polite conversation. Mistake: 「お客様を見送る。」 (Okyakusama o miokuru.) - In a formal context, this plain form is too casual. Correct: 「お客様を見送ります。」 (Okyakusama o miokurimasu.)
間違った使い方: 私は友達と別れた。
正しい使い方: 私は友達を駅まで見送った。
Distinguishing 見送る: Synonyms and Alternatives
Understanding 見送る (miokuru) is enhanced by comparing it with similar words and phrases. While they might seem interchangeable at first glance, subtle differences in nuance, usage, and formality exist.
- 送る (Okuru)
- Meaning: To send (mail, gifts), to escort, to bid farewell. Difference: 送る is a more general term. It can mean 'to send' something inanimate (like a letter) or 'to escort' someone. While it can overlap with 'to see off,' it lacks the explicit visual component of 'watching someone depart' that 見送る has. When used for people, 送る can be more about the act of dispatching them, whereas 見送る is about the accompanying farewell. Example: 「友達に誕生日プレゼントを送る。」 (Tomodachi ni tanjoubi purezento o okuru.) - 'To send a birthday present to a friend.' vs. 「友達を駅まで見送る。」 (Tomodachi o eki made miokuru.) - 'To see a friend off to the station.'
- 別れる (Wakareru)
- Meaning: To part, to separate, to say goodbye. Difference: 別れる focuses on the act of separation itself, the parting of ways. It's more about the moment of saying goodbye and going separate directions. It doesn't necessarily involve accompanying someone. Example: 「ここで別れましょう。」 (Koko de wakarimashou.) - 'Let's part here.' This is often said at the point of separation, not necessarily before the person leaves. 見送る implies you are there until they are gone.
- 見守る (Mimamoru)
- Meaning: To watch over, to look after, to keep an eye on. Difference: 見守る involves observing and caring for someone from a distance, often with a sense of protection or concern for their well-being over a period of time. It's about sustained observation, not the act of accompanying someone's departure. Example: 「母親は子供が見守る中、巣立っていった。」 (Hahaoya wa kodomo ga mimamoru naka, sudachitte itta.) - 'The mother watched over her child as they left the nest.' (Here, '巣立つ' - sudatsu - implies leaving home, and '見守る' is the act of watching over them as they do so.)
- 旅立つ (Tabidatsu)
- Meaning: To set out on a journey, to depart. Difference: 旅立つ is the verb describing the action of the person who is leaving for a journey. It's about the act of departing. 見送る is what someone else does *to* the person who is 旅立つ. Example: 「彼は新しい冒険のために旅立った。」 (Kare wa atarashii bouken no tame ni tabidatta.) - 'He set out on a new adventure.' The act of seeing him off would be 「彼を見送った。」 (Kare o miokutta.)
Comparison: 友達を駅に送る (general escort/send) vs. 友達を駅まで見送る (accompany to see off).
Comparison: ここで別れよう (focus on parting) vs. 彼が去るのを見送った (focus on the act of seeing off).
In summary, while 送る and 別れる share some overlap with 見送る, they highlight different aspects of departure. 見送る is specific to the action of accompanying someone until they are out of sight, conveying a sense of care and acknowledgment of their leaving.
- 見送る vs. 見守る
- 見送る: Accompanies someone as they depart, often for a specific journey or event. The action ends when the person leaves. 見守る: Watches over someone for a period, showing care and concern for their ongoing well-being. The observation is sustained. Example: 「子供を学校まで見送った後、母親は家で見守った。」 (Kodomo o gakkou made miokutta ato, hahaoya wa ie de mimamotta.) - 'After seeing her child off to school, the mother watched over them at home.'
Idiomatic Comparison: 「旅立ちを見送る」 (to see off a departure) vs. 「成長を見守る」 (to watch over growth).
How Formal Is It?
"貴社を代表いたしまして、本日ご退職される〇〇様を心よりお見送り申し上げます。"
"友達が電車に乗るまで、駅で一緒にいました。"
"じゃあ、またね!駅まで送ってくよ。"
"バイバイ!また明日ね!"
Fun Fact
The kanji '見' (mi) is crucial here, distinguishing it from the simpler verb '送る' (okuru), which can mean 'to send' (like mail) or 'to escort' more generally. The '見' adds the specific nuance of visually accompanying someone until they are out of sight or have reached their immediate destination.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly, making it sound like an English 'r' instead of a Japanese flap.
- Incorrectly stressing syllables, e.g., stressing the first or last syllable.
- Over-enunciating the final 'u' sound, which should be light.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is common, but understanding its nuances and figurative uses can be challenging for intermediate learners. Recognizing its presence in various contexts requires exposure.
Accurately using 見送る in writing, especially with correct particles and verb conjugations, requires practice. Distinguishing it from 送る is key.
Using 見送る naturally in conversation depends on understanding the context and the relationship with the person being seen off. It's important to use appropriate politeness levels.
Recognizing 見送る in spoken Japanese, especially in fast-paced conversations or announcements, can be tricky. Paying attention to surrounding context is crucial.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particle を (o) for direct objects.
友達を駅まで見送った。(I saw my friend off to the station.) - '友達' is the direct object being seen off, marked by を.
Passive voice (Potential form of れる/られる).
彼は皆に見送られた。(He was seen off by everyone.) - The passive form is used when the subject is the recipient of the action.
Te-form for connecting clauses.
駅まで見送って、電車に乗せた。(I saw them off to the station and put them on the train.) - The te-form connects the action of seeing off with the subsequent action.
〜ために (tame ni) for purpose.
留学のために、親は彼を見送った。(For his studies abroad, his parents saw him off.) - Indicates the reason for the departure.
Manner adverbs (e.g., 丁寧に, 温かく).
お客様を丁寧に見送った。(I politely saw off the customer.) - Adverbs describe how the action of seeing off was performed.
Examples by Level
バイバイ!
Bye-bye!
またね!
See you later!
行ってきます。
I'm going.
行ってらっしゃい。
Go well.
電車が来た。
The train has arrived.
バスが来た。
The bus has arrived.
さようなら。
Goodbye.
お元気で。
Take care.
駅まで友達を見送った。
I saw my friend off to the station.
Past tense of 見送る.
両親が空港まで私を見送ってくれた。
My parents saw me off to the airport.
Te-form for connecting actions.
お客様を玄関まで見送りましょう。
Let's see the guests off to the entrance.
Volitional form for suggestion.
彼は新しい職場へ旅立ち、皆に見送られた。
He departed for his new workplace and was seen off by everyone.
Passive form of 見送る.
子供たちが学校へ行くのを見送る。
To see the children off to school.
Base form used for general statements.
明日の朝、早く見送らなければならない。
I have to see (them) off early tomorrow morning.
Obligation form (なければならない).
彼女は悲しい顔で彼を見送った。
She saw him off with a sad face.
Adverbial use of 悲しい.
皆で彼の旅立ちを盛大に見送った。
Everyone saw off his departure grandly.
Noun phrase as object (旅立ち).
友人が留学するために海外へ行くので、空港まで見送りに行きました。
My friend is going abroad to study abroad, so I came to see them off at the airport.
Using 〜ために to indicate purpose.
退職者を労う会で、会社の代表が温かく見送りの言葉を述べた。
At the party to honor the retiree, the company representative gave warm words of farewell.
Using noun form 見送り.
電車が発つするまでホームに残り、彼の姿が見えなくなるまで見送った。
I stayed on the platform until the train departed, seeing him off until his figure disappeared from view.
Using 〜まで to indicate duration/extent.
この度の転勤で遠くへ行く同僚を、皆で寂し気に見送った。
We all sadly saw off our colleague who was transferring far away.
Using 寂し気に (sadly) to describe the manner.
子供が初めて一人で家を出る日、親は複雑な思いで見送る。
On the day their child leaves home for the first time alone, parents see them off with mixed feelings.
Using 〜日 (day) to specify the occasion.
国際イベントの終了に伴い、海外から来た参加者たちを空港まで丁寧に見送った。
Following the conclusion of the international event, we politely saw off the participants from overseas to the airport.
Using 〜に伴い (following/accompanying).
別れの挨拶は簡潔に済ませ、彼を一つの場所まで見送った。
The farewell greetings were kept brief, and I saw him off to a certain place.
Using 〜を済ませる (to finish/complete).
長年お世話になった上司を、最後まで敬意を込めて見送った。
I saw off my boss, who had taken care of me for many years, with respect until the end.
Using 敬意を込めて (with respect).
卒業生たちが未来へと羽ばたく姿を、教員たちは感慨深く見送った。
The teachers watched with deep emotion as the graduating students spread their wings towards the future.
Using 感慨深く (with deep emotion).
親元を離れて新しい土地で生活を始める子を、家族は応援しつつ見送った。
The family saw off their child, who was starting a new life in a new place away from home, while cheering them on.
Using 〜しつつ (while doing).
長年の夢であった世界一周旅行へと旅立つ友人を、私たちは万感の思いで見送った。
We saw off our friend, who was setting out on a round-the-world trip, a dream of many years, with a multitude of emotions.
Using 万感の思い (multitude of emotions).
会社の存続が危ぶまれる中、社長は従業員たちに感謝の言葉を贈り、最後まで彼らを見送った。
Amidst fears for the company's survival, the president offered words of gratitude to the employees and saw them off until the very end.
Using 〜が危ぶまれる (to be feared/doubted).
故郷を離れ、都会で新しい生活を始める若者を、町の人々は温かい目で見送った。
The townspeople watched with warm eyes as the young person left their hometown to start a new life in the city.
Using 温かい目で (with warm eyes).
遠征に出発する選手たちに、監督は勝利を祈りながら最後の言葉を贈り、見送った。
The coach gave final words of encouragement to the athletes departing for their expedition, wishing them victory as he saw them off.
Using 〜ながら (while doing).
長年の夢であった世界一周旅行へと旅立つ友人を、私たちは万感の思いで見送った。
We saw off our friend, who was setting out on a round-the-world trip, a dream of many years, with a multitude of emotions.
Using 万感の思い (multitude of emotions).
故郷を離れ、都会で新しい生活を始める若者を、町の人々は温かい目で見送った。
The townspeople watched with warm eyes as the young person left their hometown to start a new life in the city.
Using 温かい目で (with warm eyes).
遠征に出発する選手たちに、監督は勝利を祈りながら最後の言葉を贈り、見送った。
The coach gave final words of encouragement to the athletes departing for their expedition, wishing them victory as he saw them off.
Using 〜ながら (while doing).
故郷を去る者に対し、町の長老たちは、伝統の儀式を執り行い、彼らの前途を祝いながら見送った。
Towards those leaving their hometown, the town elders performed traditional rituals, seeing them off while celebrating their future.
Using 〜に 対し (towards/regarding).
歴史の転換点において、旧体制は惜しみつつも、新たな時代の到来を見送るかのように静かに幕を下ろした。
At a turning point in history, the old regime, while regretful, quietly drew the curtain, as if seeing off the arrival of a new era.
Figurative use, comparing historical transition to seeing off.
科学の進歩は時に失われる伝統もあるが、社会は必然の摂理としてそれを見送る。
Scientific progress sometimes entails the loss of traditions, but society accepts this as an inevitable providence.
Philosophical usage, accepting change.
人生の節目ごとに、我々は過去を静かに見送り、未来へと歩み出す。
At each milestone in life, we quietly see off the past and step forward into the future.
Metaphorical use of seeing off the past.
別離の痛みを感じつつも、相手の新たな道を応援するために、彼を見送った。
While feeling the pain of separation, I saw him off in order to support his new path.
Expressing conflicting emotions.
時代の移り変わりに廃れていく技術を、一部の職人たちは惜しみながらも見送っている。
Some artisans are sadly seeing off the technologies that are becoming obsolete with the changing times.
Describing a gradual, ongoing process.
親は子が成長し巣立つ瞬間を、寂しさと共に見送る。
Parents see off the moment their child grows up and leaves the nest, with a mix of sadness.
Using 〜と共にする (to be together with).
激動の時代を生き抜いた人々は、平和な時代の到来を静かに見送った。
The people who survived the turbulent era quietly saw off the arrival of a peaceful era.
Describing a transition from hardship to peace.
限りある時を大切に過ごし、今日という日を感謝とともに見送る。
Cherishing our limited time, we see off the day of today with gratitude.
Reflective and appreciative tone.
別れは次の出会いの始まりであり、寂しさの中にも希望を込めて見送る。
Parting is the beginning of the next encounter, and we see them off with hope amidst the sadness.
Poetic and philosophical perspective on parting.
人生という長い旅路において、我々は数多の出会いと別れを経験し、様々な局面を見送りながら進んでいく。
On the long journey of life, we experience numerous encounters and partings, advancing while seeing off various phases.
Highly metaphorical and philosophical usage.
歴史の大河は流れ続け、我々は過去りゆく時代を静かに見送り、新たな夜明けを待つ。
The great river of history continues to flow, and we quietly see off the passing eras, awaiting a new dawn.
Grand, sweeping metaphor for historical change.
万物は生まれ、育ち、そして消えゆく様を、我々は自然の摂理として受け入れ、静かに見送る。
We accept the cycle of all things being born, growing, and perishing as the providence of nature, and quietly see them off.
Philosophical contemplation of the natural order.
文明の興亡は壮大なる物語であり、我々は過去の栄華を見送りつつ、未来への教訓を汲み取る。
The rise and fall of civilizations are grand narratives, and we, while seeing off the glories of the past, draw lessons for the future.
Historical and reflective tone.
時の流れに逆らうことは叶わず、我々は儚い瞬間を見送りながら、生き続ける。
It is impossible to go against the flow of time, and we continue to live while seeing off fleeting moments.
Existential reflection on time and life.
星の瞬きのように儚い命を、我々は畏敬の念をもって見送る。
We see off the ephemeral lives, like the twinkling of stars, with a sense of awe.
Poetic and profound reflection on life and death.
社会の変革は、往々詳なる抵抗を伴うが、歴史は必然の歩みを止めることなく、新たな潮流を見送る。
Social transformation is accompanied by various resistances, yet history does not halt its inevitable march, seeing off new currents.
Metaphorical use of 'seeing off' for societal changes.
人間の営みは絶えることなく繰り返され、我々は世代の移り変わりを静かに見送る。
Human endeavors are endlessly repeated, and we quietly witness the succession of generations.
Observing the cyclical nature of human activity.
創造と破壊は表裏一体であり、我々は両者を区別なく見送る。
Creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, and we see off both without distinction.
Accepting duality and change.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I will see you off. This is a polite way to offer to accompany someone as they leave.
では、私がお見送りします。(Well then, I will see you off.)
— Thank you for seeing me off. Said by the person who is being seen off.
わざわざお見送り、ありがとうございます。(Thank you for going to the trouble of seeing me off.)
— Thank you for seeing me off. A more casual way to express gratitude.
駅まで見送ってくれてありがとう。(Thanks for seeing me off to the station.)
— To come to see someone off. Refers to the act of going to the departure point to say goodbye.
友達が空港に見送りに来てくれた。(My friend came to see me off at the airport.)
— To not have time to see someone off. Indicates a hurried departure.
急いでいたので、見送る時間がありませんでした。(I was in a hurry, so I didn't have time to see them off.)
— The side that sees off and the side that is seen off. Refers to the two parties involved in a farewell.
見送る側と見送られる側の両方に寂しさがつきまとう。(Sadness lingers for both the ones who see off and the ones who are seen off.)
— The place or occasion for seeing someone off. This could be a station, an airport, or a farewell party.
空港は見送りの場としていつも賑わっている。(The airport is always bustling as a place for seeing people off.)
— A bouquet of flowers given as a farewell gift when seeing someone off.
彼女は旅立つ彼に、見送りの花束を贈った。(She gave him a farewell bouquet as he embarked on his journey.)
— To see someone off with tears. Implies strong emotions associated with the departure.
母親は涙で見送った。(The mother saw her child off with tears.)
— To see someone off with a smile. Implies a positive and encouraging farewell, despite the parting.
寂しいけれど、友達を笑顔で見送りたい。(Although I'm sad, I want to see my friend off with a smile.)
Often Confused With
This is the most common confusion. 送る is more general ('send', 'escort'), while 見送る specifically implies 'seeing off' with a visual component. If you are sending a package, use 送る. If you are accompanying someone to the station to watch them board, use 見送る.
This means 'to part' or 'to separate'. It focuses on the act of going separate ways, not necessarily the act of accompanying until departure. You can 別れる without 見送る, and vice versa (though less common).
This means 'to watch over' or 'to look after'. It implies sustained observation and care, not the specific act of accompanying someone's departure.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to see off a ship'. This can be used literally for seeing a ship depart, but also metaphorically to signify letting an opportunity pass by, often with regret, similar to 'missing the boat'.
チャンスを逃し、まるで船を見送るような気持ちだった。(I missed the chance and felt like I had seen off a departing ship.)
Neutral/Slightly Literary— Literally 'to see off the moon'. This idiom is less common and often implies watching the moon set, marking the end of the night or a period of time. It can carry a sense of melancholy or reflection on the passage of time.
静かに月を見送りながら、一日の終わりを感じた。(Quietly seeing off the moon, I felt the end of the day.)
Literary/Poetic— Literally 'to see off the wind'. This is a poetic expression that suggests observing the wind as it passes, implying a sense of impermanence and the transient nature of things. It's about acknowledging something intangible as it moves away.
窓辺で風を見送りながら、過ぎ去った日々を思った。(Watching the wind pass by the window, I thought of the days gone by.)
Literary/Poetic— To see off at the same time as someone else or something else. This implies a shared departure or a synchronized farewell.
彼らは皆、友人の旅立ちを時を同じくして見送った。(They all saw off their friend's departure at the same time.)
Neutral— To see someone off with tears. This idiom emphasizes the emotional weight of the farewell, often due to a long separation or deep affection.
母親は、遠くへ嫁ぐ娘を涙で見送った。(The mother saw off her daughter, who was marrying and moving far away, with tears.)
Emotional/Common— To see someone off with a smile. This idiom conveys a positive and encouraging farewell, showing support for the person's departure despite the sadness of parting.
寂しくても、旅立つ友人を笑顔で見送ることにした。(Even though I was sad, I decided to see my friend off with a smile.)
Positive/Common— To see someone off grandly or ceremoniously. This implies a large gathering, significant preparations, and a celebratory atmosphere for the farewell.
長年勤めた社長を、社員一同で盛大に見送った。(We all saw off the president, who had worked for many years, in a grand farewell.)
Formal/Celebratory— To see someone off quietly. This suggests a more subdued or private farewell, perhaps without much fanfare or public attention.
彼は誰にも知られず、静かに故郷を後にした。
Neutral/Subdued— To see someone off with a feeling of reluctance or hesitation, as if one's 'back hair is being pulled'. It signifies a deep attachment and difficulty in letting go.
子供の巣立ちを、後ろ髪を引かれる思いで見送った。(I saw off my child leaving the nest with a heavy heart.)
Emotional/Literary— To see someone off by celebrating their departure, wishing them well on their new journey (lit. 'celebrating the ship's departure and seeing them off').
新しい門出を迎える友人を、皆で船出を祝って見送った。(We all celebrated and saw off our friend embarking on a new beginning.)
Positive/CelebratoryEasily Confused
Both verbs can mean to 'see off' or 'escort' someone.
見送る specifically includes the visual aspect of accompanying someone until they are out of sight or have departed. 送る is broader and can mean to send an object, or to escort without necessarily waiting for them to leave completely. For example, you send a letter (メールを送る), but you see a friend off at the station (友達を駅まで見送る).
友達にプレゼントを送った。(I sent a present to my friend.) 友達を駅まで見送った。(I saw my friend off to the station.)
Both relate to the end of an encounter or relationship.
別れる focuses on the act of parting or separation itself, the moment when two people go their separate ways. 見送る focuses on the action of accompanying someone until they leave, often implying a more extended interaction at the point of departure. You can 'part' (別れる) without 'seeing off' (見送る), and vice versa.
ここで別れよう。(Let's part here.) 彼は私を見送らずに去った。(He left without seeing me off.)
Both relate to the beginning or end of a journey or visit.
迎える means 'to welcome' or 'to receive' someone who is arriving. It's the opposite action of 見送る, which means 'to see off' someone who is departing. One welcomes guests upon arrival and sees them off upon departure.
空港で家族を迎えた。(I welcomed my family at the airport.) 家族を空港まで見送った。(I saw my family off to the airport.)
Both involve 'watching' (見).
見守る means 'to watch over' or 'to look after', implying a sustained period of observation and care, often from a distance. 見送る is about accompanying someone specifically as they depart and watching them leave. It's a singular event of departure, not ongoing supervision.
母親は子供が学校へ行くのを見守った。(The mother watched over her child going to school.) 母親は子供を駅まで見送った。(The mother saw her child off to the station.)
Both are related to departures.
旅立つ describes the action of the person who is leaving on a journey. 見送る describes the action of the person who stays behind to accompany the traveler until their departure. You see someone off *as* they 'set out on a journey'.
彼は新しい冒険のために旅立った。(He set out on a new adventure.) 家族は彼を温かく見送った。(The family warmly saw him off.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + を + Location + まで + 見送る。
私<ruby>は</ruby>友達<ruby>を</ruby>駅<ruby>まで</ruby>見送った。
Object + が/は + Verb Stem + れる。
彼<ruby>は</ruby>皆<ruby>に</ruby>見送ら<ruby>れた</ruby>。
Subject + Object + を + Location + まで + Verb Stem + て + ください。
お客様<ruby>を</ruby>玄関<ruby>まで</ruby>見送っ<ruby>て</ruby>ください。
Subject + Object + を + Manner + に + 見送る。
彼女<ruby>は</ruby>彼<ruby>を</ruby>寂しげ<ruby>に</ruby>見送った。
Noun Phrase + を + 見送る。
皆<ruby>で</ruby>彼の<ruby>旅立</ruby>ち<ruby>を</ruby>盛大<ruby>に</ruby>見送った。
Subject + Object + を + Location + まで + 見送る + 感情表現。
親<ruby>は</ruby>子<ruby>を</ruby>家<ruby>まで</ruby>涙<ruby>で</ruby>見送った。
Figurative/Metaphorical Usage.
我々<ruby>は</ruby>過去<ruby>の</ruby>栄華<ruby>を</ruby>見送る。
Passive voice with complex subjects/objects.
その<ruby>歴史的</ruby>な<ruby>瞬間<ruby>は</ruby>、<ruby>国民</ruby>によって<ruby>静</ruby>かに<ruby>見送ら</ruby>れた。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
-
Using 見送る when 送る is more appropriate.
→
Friend: 「明日、遠くまで行くんだ。」 (I'm going far away tomorrow.) <br> You: 「駅まで<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>見送る</mark>よ。」 (I'll see you off to the station.)
Here, 見送る is correct because you are accompanying the friend to the station to watch them depart. If you were just sending them a text message, you would use 送る (送る).
-
Incorrect particle usage.
→
友達<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>を</mark>空港まで見送った。(I saw my friend off to the airport.)
The direct object of 見送る (the person being seen off) must be marked with the particle を (o), not に (ni) or other particles.
-
Confusing 見送る with 別れる.
→
ここで<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>別れ</mark>よう。(Let's part here.) <br> 友達を駅まで<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>見送っ</mark>た。(I saw my friend off to the station.)
別れる means 'to part' or 'separate', focusing on the moment of going separate ways. 見送る involves accompanying someone until they depart. You can part ways after seeing someone off.
-
Using the plain form in a polite context.
→
お客様<ruby>を</ruby>玄関<ruby>まで</ruby>お<ruby>見送</ruby>り<ruby>いたします</ruby>。
In formal situations, use polite verb conjugations like 〜ます or 〜いたします instead of the plain form (e.g., 見送る).
-
Overusing the figurative meaning of 'overlook'.
→
彼の遅刻<ruby>を</ruby>大目<ruby>に</ruby>見ることにした。(I decided to overlook his lateness.)
While 見送る can mean 'to overlook', it's less common and can be ambiguous. Phrases like 大目に見る (oome ni miru - to overlook) are more standard for this meaning.
Tips
Mastering Particles
Remember that the person being seen off is the direct object and is marked by the particle を (o). For example, '友達を 見送る' (tomodachi o miokuru - to see a friend off). Also, pay attention to particles like まで (made) indicating the destination you see them off to, like '駅まで' (eki made - to the station).
The Gesture of Farewell
In Japan, seeing someone off is a significant act of politeness and care. Whether it's a casual wave or accompanying them to their transport, it shows you value the person and acknowledge their journey. Embrace this custom when interacting with Japanese speakers.
Distinguishing from 送る
Don't confuse 見送る with 送る. While both can mean 'to escort' or 'see off', 見送る specifically emphasizes the visual act of accompanying someone until they leave. If you're just sending a package, use 送る. If you're walking your friend to the train, use 見送る.
Stress and R Sound
The stress in 見送る (miokuru) falls on the second syllable: mi-O-ku-ru. Be mindful of the Japanese 'r' sound, which is a light flap, not a hard English 'r'.
Visual Association
Picture yourself standing at a train station, waving goodbye to a friend as their train pulls away. You are 'seeing' (見) them 'off' (送る). This visual can help solidify the meaning.
Sentence Building
Practice creating your own sentences using 見送る in different tenses and politeness levels. Try describing a recent farewell or imagining a scenario.
Global Parallels
While specific customs vary, the act of seeing someone off is universal. Think about how people say goodbye in your own culture and how it compares to the Japanese practice of 見送る.
Noun Form: 見送り
Remember the noun form 見送り (miokuri), which refers to the act of seeing someone off. It's often used in polite contexts, like お見送り (o-miokuri).
Passive Voice
Understand the passive form 見送られる (miokurareru). This is used when the subject is the one being seen off, e.g., '彼は友達に見送られた' (He was seen off by his friends).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are standing at a train station, waving goodbye to a friend. You can literally 'see' (見) them 'off' (送る) as they depart. Picture yourself visually following their departing train or person with your eyes.
Visual Association
Visualize a person standing at a train platform, waving a handkerchief as a train pulls away. The person on the platform is doing the 'seeing off' (見送る).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe the last time you saw someone off. Use the verb 見送る in your description. If you can't recall a personal experience, imagine a scenario and write about it using 見送る.
Word Origin
The word 見送る is composed of two kanji: 見 (mi), meaning 'to see', and 送る (okuru), meaning 'to send' or 'to escort'. Thus, its literal meaning is 'to see someone off' or 'to escort someone while seeing them'.
Original meaning: The original meaning directly reflects its components: to visually accompany someone as they depart.
Japonic languages.Cultural Context
The act of 見送る can carry strong emotional weight, especially for long separations or significant life changes. It's important to be mindful of the emotions involved for both the person leaving and the person seeing them off.
In English-speaking cultures, 'seeing someone off' is also common, but perhaps less emphasized as a mandatory social ritual compared to its prevalence in Japan. The act of escorting someone to their transport is a universal gesture of politeness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Seeing a friend off at a train station.
- 駅まで見送るよ。(I'll see you off to the station.)
- 気をつけてね。(Take care.)
- またすぐに会おうね。(Let's meet again soon.)
- 電車が来るまでここにいるよ。(I'll stay here until the train comes.)
Seeing a family member off at the airport for a long trip.
- 行ってらっしゃい。(Go well.)
- 無事に着いたら連絡してね。(Contact me when you arrive safely.)
- お土産話、楽しみにしてるよ。(I'm looking forward to hearing your stories.)
- 元気でね。(Stay well.)
Seeing guests off from your home.
- どうぞ、お見送りは結構です。(Please, you don't need to see me off.)
- お気をつけてお帰りください。(Please return safely.)
- 今日はありがとうございました。(Thank you for today.)
- またいつでも来てください。(Please come again anytime.)
Farewell for a colleague who is retiring or transferring.
- 長年のご勤務、お疲れ様でした。(Thank you for your many years of service.)
- 寂しくなります。(We will miss you.)
- 今後のご活躍をお祈りしております。(We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.)
- またいつでも顔を見せてください。(Please come and see us anytime.)
Seeing off graduating students.
- 卒業おめでとうございます。(Congratulations on your graduation.)
- 未来に向かって頑張ってください。(Please do your best towards your future.)
- 皆さんの活躍を期待しています。(We look forward to your success.)
- この学び舎を忘れないでください。(Please don't forget this school.)
Conversation Starters
"Recently, I had to see off a friend who was moving away. It was quite emotional."
"Do you usually see people off when they leave?"
"What's the most memorable time you've seen someone off?"
"I learned a new word today: 見送る. It means to see someone off as they leave."
"In Japan, it's customary to see guests off. What's a similar custom in your country?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to see someone off for a long journey. What emotions did you feel, and what did you say?
Imagine you are seeing off a close friend who is moving to another country. Write a dialogue of your farewell.
Reflect on the importance of farewells in relationships. How does the act of 'seeing someone off' strengthen or affect bonds?
Write a short story about a character who has to see someone off despite not wanting them to go. Explore their internal conflict.
Consider the cultural significance of seeing people off. How does this practice reflect societal values?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in the '見' (mi) kanji, which means 'to see'. 見送る specifically implies accompanying someone visually until they depart or are out of sight, emphasizing the act of watching them leave. 送る is a broader term meaning 'to send' (objects) or 'to escort' more generally, and doesn't necessarily include the visual act of seeing them off until the end. For instance, you 'send' an email (メールを送る) but 'see off' a friend at the station (友達を駅まで見送る).
It is appropriate to use 見送る when you physically accompany someone as they leave, such as seeing a friend off at the train station, escorting a guest to their car, or watching a family member depart for a trip at the airport. It's a gesture of politeness and care during farewells.
Generally, no. 見送る is primarily used for people. While you might figuratively 'see off' an event as it ends, the core meaning involves accompanying a person. For inanimate objects, you would typically use 送る (e.g., 'to send a package').
The noun form is 見送り (miokuri). It refers to the act or the gesture of seeing someone off. It's often used with the honorific prefix 'o-', as in お見送り (o-miokuri), to make it more polite.
Not necessarily. While farewells can be sad, 見送る itself is a neutral verb describing the action. The emotion conveyed depends on the context and the accompanying language. You can see someone off with tears (涙で見送る) due to sadness, or with a smile (笑顔で見送る) to encourage them on their new journey.
You can say 「見送ってくれてありがとう」(miokutte kurete arigatou) in a casual way, or 「お見送り、ありがとうございます」(o-miokuri, arigatou gozaimasu) in a more polite manner. If someone went to extra trouble, you might say 「わざわざお見送り、ありがとうございます」(wazawaza o-miokuri, arigatou gozaimasu).
They are opposites. 見送る means 'to see off' (accompanying someone as they leave), while 出迎える means 'to go out to meet' (accompanying someone as they arrive). One is for departures, the other for arrivals.
Yes, but less commonly than its literal meaning. It can sometimes mean 'to overlook' or 'to let something pass', but this usage is less frequent and can be ambiguous. The primary meaning of 'seeing someone off' is far more prevalent.
Common places include train stations, airports, bus terminals, harbors, the entrance to a home, or even just to the door of a room. Any place where a departure occurs is a potential context for 見送る.
The particle を (o) marks the direct object of the verb 見送る. It indicates the person or people who are being seen off. For example, in '友達を駅まで見送った' (I saw my friend off to the station), '友達' (friend) is the direct object marked by を.
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Summary
見送る (miokuru) is the act of accompanying someone as they depart, emphasizing the visual act of seeing them off. It's a polite and common gesture in Japanese culture, used in various contexts from everyday goodbyes to significant farewells.
- 見送る means to see someone off as they leave.
- It involves accompanying them until their departure.
- It's a common polite gesture in Japan.
- Often used at stations, airports, or when guests leave.
Mastering Particles
Remember that the person being seen off is the direct object and is marked by the particle を (o). For example, '友達を 見送る' (tomodachi o miokuru - to see a friend off). Also, pay attention to particles like まで (made) indicating the destination you see them off to, like '駅まで' (eki made - to the station).
The Gesture of Farewell
In Japan, seeing someone off is a significant act of politeness and care. Whether it's a casual wave or accompanying them to their transport, it shows you value the person and acknowledge their journey. Embrace this custom when interacting with Japanese speakers.
Distinguishing from 送る
Don't confuse 見送る with 送る. While both can mean 'to escort' or 'see off', 見送る specifically emphasizes the visual act of accompanying someone until they leave. If you're just sending a package, use 送る. If you're walking your friend to the train, use 見送る.
Stress and R Sound
The stress in 見送る (miokuru) falls on the second syllable: mi-O-ku-ru. Be mindful of the Japanese 'r' sound, which is a light flap, not a hard English 'r'.
Example
友達を駅まで見送った。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.