Seeing someone
Meaning: Casually dating a person; in the early stages of a romantic relationship.
'Seeing someone' is deliberately vague — it means you're going on dates and spending time together, but you haven't necessarily defined the relationship. It's less committal than 'dating' and much less serious than 'in a relationship.' Americans use it when they want to communicate that someone is in their romantic life without overstating the situation.
Examples
- I'm seeing someone right now, but it's still pretty new. 我现在在跟一个人约会,不过还挺新的。Ahora mismo estoy viéndome con alguien, pero es bastante reciente.今ちょっと会ってる人がいるんだけど、まだ始まったばかりなんだ。지금 만나는 사람이 있긴 한데, 아직 시작한 지 얼마 안 됐어.
- She's been seeing this guy from her gym class. 她最近在跟健身班认识的一个男生约会。Se está viendo con un chico de su clase de gimnasio.彼女、ジムのクラスで知り合った男の人と会ってるらしいよ。그녀는 헬스장 수업에서 만난 남자와 만나고 있대.
- We've been seeing each other for a few weeks — nothing serious yet. 我们见了几周了——还没到认真的程度。Llevamos unas semanas viéndonos — nada serio todavía.数週間前から会ってるんだけど——まだ本気じゃないよ。몇 주째 만나고 있어 — 아직 진지한 건 아니야.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: dating, casual conversation, updates to friends
Tone: casual, noncommittal
✓ Do Say
- I'm seeing someone.我在跟一个人约会。Estoy viéndome con alguien.今、会ってる人がいるんだ。지금 만나는 사람이 있어.
- Are you seeing anyone right now?你现在有在跟谁约会吗?¿Estás viéndote con alguien ahora mismo?今、誰かと会ってる?요즘 만나는 사람 있어?
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use 'seeing someone' for a serious, committed partner — it undersells the relationship and can be hurtful不要对认真的、确定关系的伴侣用'seeing someone'——这会轻视这段关系,可能会伤害对方No uses 'seeing someone' para una pareja seria y comprometida — minimiza la relación y puede resultar hiriente真剣に付き合っている相手に「seeing someone」は使わないこと——関係を軽く見せてしまい、相手を傷つけることがある진지하게 사귀는 파트너에 대해 'seeing someone'이라고 하지 말 것 — 관계를 과소평가하는 것이 되어 상처가 될 수 있다
Origin & History
A longstanding American English euphemism for dating that has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. Its vagueness makes it a useful way to describe early romantic connections without overpromising.
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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