Japanese word

見張る

Pronunciation

Romajimiharu

Meaning

  • verbwatch

Example

入口を見張ります。iri guchi o mi ha ri ma su

I watch the entrance.

Illustration for 見張る (watch)

More examples

夜は皆で交代して見張ります。yoru wa mina de kō tai shi te mi ha ri ma su

At night, we take turns standing watch.

Core concept

Describes watching a person or place continuously while remaining ready to notice and respond to anything unusual.

Common phrases

  • 交代で見張るkō tai de mi ha ru

    stand watch in shifts

  • 周囲を見張るshū i o mi ha ru

    watch the surroundings

  • 夜通し見張るyo dō shi mi ha ru

    keep watch all night

Similar words

監視するkanshisuru: To watch a person, place, or activity closely to detect unusual or unwanted actions.
警備するkeibisuru: To protect a place or event by watching for danger and controlling access.
見守るmimamoru: To watch over a person or situation with care while allowing it to continue.

Definition in Japanese

人や場所に目を配り、異常や危険が起きないように番をする。hito ya ba sho ni me o kuba ri i jō ya ki ken ga o ki na i yō ni ban o su ru

Word origin

見張る (miharu) combines 見 (mi, "see") with 張る (haru, "stretch"), a native formation that conveys extending one's attention over something.

Usage tips

  • The English verb watch covers both observation and protection, while 見張る (miharu) more clearly suggests keeping watch over an entrance, area, or person.

Other meanings

  • guardverb
  • stand watchverb

Related words

  • 見張りmiharilookoutnoun

Word lists with this word