見守る

• Reading: みまもる
• Romaji: mimamoru
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (ken/mi) — see, look; 守 (shu/mamo) — protect, guard, watch over
• Pronunciation: /mi.ma.mo.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To watch over; to keep a careful eye on; to observe with care and concern, often without intervening.

A Group 1 (godan) verb combining 見 (to look, to see) and 守る (to protect, to guard). The compound conveys attentive and protective observation — watching over someone's progress, safety, or wellbeing without necessarily interfering. It is used by parents watching children grow, bystanders observing a critical situation, or citizens waiting for an outcome. The nuance is of caring vigilance rather than passive watching.

Examples

1. 親は子供の成長を温かく見守ることが大切だと言われる。 It's said that it's important for parents to watch over their children's growth with warmth.
2. 手術が無事に終わるよう、家族全員が廊下で祈りながら見守った。 The entire family waited in the hallway, praying and watching over the surgery until it was safely completed.
3. 国民が固唾を飲んで交渉の行方を見守った。 The nation watched the progress of the negotiations with bated breath.

Usage Guide

Context: parenting, healthcare, politics, daily life

Tone: caring

Origin & History

Compound of 見 (mi — to look) and 守る (mamoru — to protect, to guard). The combination emphasises watching as a form of protection — maintaining vigilant attention to ensure safety or a hoped-for outcome.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes