Japanese word

見物

Pronunciation

Romajikenbutsu

Meaning

  • nounsightseeing

Example

京都を見物します。kyō to o ken butsu shi ma su

I go sightseeing in Kyoto.

Illustration for 見物 (sightseeing)

More examples

祭りの見物に大勢の人が集まります。matsu ri no ken butsu ni ō zei no hito ga atsu ma ri ma su

Many people gather to watch the festival.

Core concept

It describes taking in places, sights, or events as an enjoyable activity.

Common phrases

  • 見物に行くken butsu ni i ku

    go sightseeing

  • 見物をするken butsu o su ru

    go sightseeing

Similar words

観光kankō: Traveling to see and enjoy notable places and sights.
観覧kanran: Watching an event or display as a spectator.
見学kengaku: Looking at a place or activity to learn about it.

Definition in Japanese

景色や名所、催しなどを見て楽しむこと。keshiki ya mei sho moyō shi na do o mi te tano shi mu ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 見 (ken, "see") and 物 (butsu, "thing"), giving the sense of seeing notable things.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 見物 (kenbutsu) covers both sightseeing and watching events, so its meaning depends on what is being viewed.

Other meanings

  • viewingnoun

Word lists with this word