To watch over someone or something with affection, patience, and a desire for their well-being.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To watch over someone with care and concern.
- Implies protecting without interfering too much.
- Often used for children, growth, or future outcomes.
Overview
- 1概要：「見守る」は「見る」と「守る」が組み合わさった言葉で、対象の安全や幸福を願いながら、干渉しすぎずに注意深く見続けることを意味します。物理的に近くにいる場合だけでなく、遠くから成長を願う際にも使われます。
使用パターン：主に「〜を温かく見守る」「〜の成長を見守る」という形で使われます。対象が何かをしているときに、口出しせずに結果や過程をじっと見ている様子を表す際によく用いられます。
- 1一般的な文脈：親が子供の遊びを見守る、先生が生徒の自主性を尊重して見守る、あるいは静かに事態の推移を見守る際などに使われます。過度な介入を避けつつ、何かあったときにはすぐ対応できるような距離感を保つというニュアンスが強いです。
- 1類語比較：「監視する」は警戒や管理が目的であり、相手の自由を制限するニュアンスがありますが、「見守る」は相手の自主性や成長を尊重するポジティブな響きがあります。「眺める」は単に視覚的な動作を指すだけで、守るという意志は含まれません。
Examples
親は子供の成長を温かく見守る。
everydayParents watch over their child's growth warmly.
事態の推移を静かに見守る必要がある。
formalIt is necessary to watch the development of the situation quietly.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
温かく見守ってください
Please watch over us warmly (often used by couples or new groups).
Often Confused With
Means to monitor or surveil. It implies a lack of trust or a duty to control, unlike the caring nature of 'mimamoru'.
Means to gaze or look at something. It is purely descriptive and lacks the emotional intent of protection.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'mimamoru' when you want to express a supportive, non-intrusive attitude. It is highly valued in Japanese interpersonal relationships. Avoid it when you are actually observing someone for suspicious behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for security cameras, which is incorrect. Also, do not use it if you are actively participating in the action; it implies keeping a slight distance.
Tips
Focus on the nuance of care
Remember that 'mimamoru' is not just about vision. It includes the emotional aspect of wishing for someone's safety or success.
Avoid using for surveillance
Do not use 'mimamoru' when talking about security guards or monitoring systems. Use 'kanshi' instead for those contexts.
The Japanese ideal of support
In Japanese culture, 'mimamoru' is considered an ideal way for parents or teachers to support others by respecting their autonomy.
Word Origin
A compound of the verb 'miru' (to see) and 'mamoru' (to protect). It literally means to protect by keeping one's eyes on something.
Cultural Context
The concept reflects the Japanese value of 'ma' (space/distance) in relationships, where allowing others to develop independently while showing support is highly regarded.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mi' (see) + 'mamoru' (protect). You are protecting them with your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「監視する」は相手を管理したり、不審な点がないか警戒したりするネガティブな意味合いが含まれます。一方「見守る」は相手の安全や成長を願うポジティブで優しい響きがあります。
子供やペットの成長だけでなく、病人の回復、プロジェクトの進捗、あるいは自然環境など、自分が大切に思う対象全般に対して幅広く使えます。
はい、単にぼんやり見ているのではなく、相手を気遣うという明確な意志を持って意識的に見ている状態を指します。
「見守った」となります。例えば「子供の成長を温かく見守った」のように、一定期間の行為を振り返る際によく使われます。
Test Yourself
親は子供の成長を温かく___。
「温かく」という副詞と共に使う場合、成長を願う「見守る」が最も自然です。
Score: /1
Summary
To watch over someone or something with affection, patience, and a desire for their well-being.
- To watch over someone with care and concern.
- Implies protecting without interfering too much.
- Often used for children, growth, or future outcomes.
Focus on the nuance of care
Remember that 'mimamoru' is not just about vision. It includes the emotional aspect of wishing for someone's safety or success.
Avoid using for surveillance
Do not use 'mimamoru' when talking about security guards or monitoring systems. Use 'kanshi' instead for those contexts.
The Japanese ideal of support
In Japanese culture, 'mimamoru' is considered an ideal way for parents or teachers to support others by respecting their autonomy.
Examples
2 of 2親は子供の成長を温かく見守る。
Parents watch over their child's growth warmly.
事態の推移を静かに見守る必要がある。
It is necessary to watch the development of the situation quietly.
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養親
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