How to say "watch" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- ichidan verb, transitive verbThe plain verb for watching something — a film, a match, a game. It also means 'to see' and 'to look', so context decides which English word it matches.
- 時計とけいnounThe noun for a timekeeping device — a clock or a watch. When 'watch' means the object rather than the act, this is the word; for one worn on the wrist, 腕時計 is more precise.あなたの時計では何時ですか。↗What time is it by your watch?
- 眺めるながめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'watch' as gazing at something at leisure — scenery, a view, the sea. The nuance is prolonged, contemplative looking; for following a show or a match, みる is the natural verb.
- 見張りみはりnounThis is 'watch' in the guard sense: keeping watch, a lookout, surveillance. It has nothing to do with timepieces or with viewing; think of a sentry on duty.
- 腕時計うでどけいnounThe noun for a wristwatch — a watch worn on the wrist. When you mean this specific object rather than a clock, it is the exact word; 時計 is the broader timepiece term.
For the verb, use 「みる」 for ordinary watching and 「眺める」 for leisurely gazing; for the noun, 時計 is a clock or timepiece and 腕時計 a wristwatch, while 「見張り」 is watch in the guard sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- みるto see
- 時計とけいclock
- 眺めるながめるto look at
- 見張りみはりwatch
- 腕時計うでどけいwristwatch
- ご覧になるごらんになるto see
- 待ち構えるまちかまえるto lie in wait (for)
- ウォッチwatch (timepiece)
- 張り番はりばんlookout
- 見張り番みはりばんguard
- ご覧なさるごらんなさるto see
- 看視人かんしじんlookout
- ご覧じるごろうじるto see
- 番ばんwatch
- 張り込みはりこみlookout
- 見守るみまもるto watch intently
- 目するもくするto pay attention to
- たしなむto be modest
- 目すもくすto pay attention to
- にらむto keep an eye on someone (e.g. a suspicious or untrustworthy person)
See also
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