Japanese word

見守る

Pronunciation

Romajimimamoru

Meaning

  • verbkeep an eye on

Example

先生は子どもたちを見守ります。sen sei wa ko do mo ta chi o mi mamo ri ma su

The teacher keeps an eye on the children.

Illustration for 見守る (keep an eye on)

More examples

失敗しても、家族は私を見守ってくれます。ship pai shi te mo ka zoku wa watashi o mi mamo tte ku re ma su

Even when I fail, my family watches over me.

Core concept

Describes watching someone or something carefully while caring about their safety and progress.

Common phrases

  • 子どもたちを見守るko do mo ta chi o mi mamo ru

    keep an eye on the children

  • 成長を見守るsei chō o mi mamo ru

    watch someone grow

  • 家族を見守るka zoku o mi mamo ru

    watch over one's family

Similar words

見張るmiharu: To watch someone or something closely to prevent danger or unwanted action.
見届けるmitodokeru: To watch something through to its end or final result.
気に掛けるkinikakeru: To care about someone or something and keep it in mind.

Definition in Japanese

相手の様子を注意深く見ながら、無事でいられるように支えること。ai te no yō su o chū i fuka ku mi na ga ra bu ji de i ra re ru yō ni sasa e ru ko to

Word origin

見守る (mimamoru) combines 見る (miru, "to see") and 守る (mamoru, "to protect"), expressing protection through attentive watching.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 見守る (mimamoru) often describes a parent or teacher supporting a child from a respectful distance rather than controlling every action.

Opposites

  • 放置するhōchisuruleave unattendedverb

Related words

  • 見守りmimamoriwatching overnoun

Word lists with this word