観
JLPT N3
View, observe
Readings
On’yomi: カン (kan)
Kun’yomi: み(る) (mi(ru))
• み(る) – to look, to observe (used mainly in compounds like 観る)
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
観る
みる
watch
観光
かんこう
sightseeing
観察
かんさつ
observation
主観
しゅかん
subjective
客観
きゃっかん
objective
Example Sentences
映画を観ます。
えいが を みます。
I watch a movie.
観光します。
かんこう します。
I go sightseeing.
動物を観察します。
どうぶつ を かんさつ します。
I observe animals.
主観的です。
しゅかんてき です。
It is subjective.
客観的です。
きゃっかんてき です。
It is objective.
Cultural Note
🎴 観 carries deep cultural significance in Japan, extending beyond just “seeing.”
• In Zen and Buddhism, 観 refers to insightful observation — perceiving the true nature of things (e.g., 観音 – Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, literally “One Who Observes Sounds [of the world]”).
• In art and aesthetics, it implies appreciation and perceptive observation — qualities central to traditional Japanese practices like tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy.
• The words 主観 (subjective) and 客観 (objective) reflect how 観 connects vision with philosophical perspective.
• In Zen and Buddhism, 観 refers to insightful observation — perceiving the true nature of things (e.g., 観音 – Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, literally “One Who Observes Sounds [of the world]”).
• In art and aesthetics, it implies appreciation and perceptive observation — qualities central to traditional Japanese practices like tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy.
• The words 主観 (subjective) and 客観 (objective) reflect how 観 connects vision with philosophical perspective.