How to say "observe" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 認めるみとめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'observe' in the sense of noticing or detecting something, as when a change or improvement is observed; at bottom it means to recognize or notice, not to watch.
- 祝ういわうgodan verb, transitive verbIts only link to 'observe' is the festive one: to observe a festival is to celebrate it. For any other sense of 'observe' this is not the word you want.
- ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'observe' in the plain sense of watching or looking at something; its core meanings are to see, look, and watch, so it fits when observing simply means keeping your eyes on something.
- 従うしたがうgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'observe' in the sense of obeying or complying: you observe a law, rule, or custom in the sense of following it. Think 'abide by' rather than watching or noticing.
- 守るまもるgodan verb, transitive verbAlso covers 'observe' as abiding by rules or laws, and it is the word for keeping a promise; it overlaps closely with 従う, so either can work for observing rules.
Pick the sense first: 「認める」 for observing in the sense of noticing something, 「みる」 for watching, 「従う」 and 「守る」 for observing rules or laws, and 「祝う」 only for observing a festival.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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