It means to watch someone leave or to hold off on making a decision.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To say goodbye as someone leaves.
- To watch a vehicle depart.
- To postpone a decision or action.
Overview
- 1概要：「見送る」は、相手が去っていく姿を最後まで確認する、あるいは別れの挨拶をするというポジティブなニュアンスを持つ言葉です。物理的な移動だけでなく、抽象的な概念にも適用されます。2) 使用パターン：対象が人である場合は「駅で友人を見送る」のように使い、乗り物や船などの場合は「飛行機を見送る」と表現します。また、比喩的には「決定を見送る（判断を保留する）」というビジネス上の文脈でも頻出します。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、旅行や出張に行く家族や友人を駅や空港で送り出す場面で最もよく使われます。ビジネスにおいては、提案や計画の実行を一時停止し、状況が好転するまで待つという慎重な姿勢を示す際に用いられます。4) 類似語との比較：「送る」は目的地まで同行する行為そのものを指しますが、「見送る」は相手が去っていく姿をその場に留まって確認する点に重点があります。「立ち去る」を見守るというニュアンスが強く、別れの寂しさや敬意が含まれることが多いのが特徴です。
Examples
駅で友人を見送った。
everydayI saw my friend off at the station.
今回は採用を見送らせていただきます。
formalWe have decided to pass on this hiring opportunity.
飛行機を見送りに空港へ行く。
informalI'm going to the airport to see the plane off.
専門家は、新しい規制の導入を一時見送るよう勧告した。
academicExperts recommended postponing the introduction of new regulations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
お見送りする
to see someone off (polite)
見送りに来る
to come to see someone off
判断を見送る
to hold off on a decision
Often Confused With
Means to accompany someone to a destination. 'Miokuru' focuses on the act of watching them leave from a stationary position.
Means to watch over someone or something. It lacks the nuance of a departure or a final goodbye.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'miokuru' when someone is leaving your presence. In business, it is a polite way to decline or delay an action. Avoid using it if you are actually going to the destination with them.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'okuru' (to send/accompany). Remember that 'miokuru' implies you are staying behind. Also, do not use it for 'watching' something that isn't leaving.
Tips
Focus on the visual aspect
Remember that 'mi-okuru' literally means to watch (mi) and send off (okuru). It implies keeping your eyes on the person until they are out of sight.
Context changes the meaning
In a business context, it does not mean 'accompanying' someone. It strictly refers to postponing or rejecting a plan.
The importance of seeing someone off
In Japanese culture, seeing someone off at the station or airport is considered a polite and caring gesture, showing deep respect for the departing person.
Word Origin
Derived from 'miru' (to see) and 'okuru' (to send). It historically described the act of watching a departing person until they were no longer visible.
Cultural Context
In Japan, seeing someone off at a departure point is a significant social ritual. It demonstrates the value placed on relationships and the importance of a proper farewell.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Mi' (seeing) + 'Okuru' (sending). You are sending them off with your eyes as they depart.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「送る」は目的地まで一緒に行くことを指しますが、「見送る」は相手が去る姿をその場で見届けることを指します。見送る場合は、自分はその場に残ることが一般的です。
ビジネスでは「今回は実施しない」「決定を先延ばしにする」という判断を意味します。慎重に判断を保留するというポジティブなニュアンスで使われることが多いです。
はい、使えます。ただし「お見送りする」と丁寧語にすることで、より敬意を表すことができます。駅や空港で目上の人を見送る際は「お見送りいたします」と伝えます。
いいえ、人以外にも使えます。電車や船などの乗り物、あるいは「機会を見送る」「判断を見送る」のように抽象的な対象に対しても広く使用されます。
Test Yourself
空港で友人を___。
空港で出発する人を送り出す動作なので「見送る」が適切です。
次の文のうち、ビジネスの文脈はどれですか？
この文では「実施を中止する・保留する」という意味で使われています。
（駅で / 恋人を / 見送った / 私は）
日本語は語順の柔軟性が高いため、どの順序でも文法的に正しいです。
Score: /3
Summary
It means to watch someone leave or to hold off on making a decision.
- To say goodbye as someone leaves.
- To watch a vehicle depart.
- To postpone a decision or action.
Focus on the visual aspect
Remember that 'mi-okuru' literally means to watch (mi) and send off (okuru). It implies keeping your eyes on the person until they are out of sight.
Context changes the meaning
In a business context, it does not mean 'accompanying' someone. It strictly refers to postponing or rejecting a plan.
The importance of seeing someone off
In Japanese culture, seeing someone off at the station or airport is considered a polite and caring gesture, showing deep respect for the departing person.
Examples
4 of 4駅で友人を見送った。
I saw my friend off at the station.
今回は採用を見送らせていただきます。
We have decided to pass on this hiring opportunity.
飛行機を見送りに空港へ行く。
I'm going to the airport to see the plane off.
専門家は、新しい規制の導入を一時見送るよう勧告した。
Experts recommended postponing the introduction of new regulations.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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認め合う
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知人
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顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
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思春期
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養子
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養親
B2Adoptive parent.
