見える
みえる
to be visible; -- polite verb meaning 来る (くる) --
Ichidan verbJLPT N4
Example Sentences
山が見えます。
I can see the mountain.
昨日は星が見えました。
I could see the stars yesterday.
雲が多くて月が見えません。
I can't see the moon because there are many clouds.
Grammar Notes & Usage Tips
•When using 見える to mean "can be seen" or "is visible," use the particle が before the thing that is visible (e.g., 山が見える = "I can see the mountain").
•Don’t confuse 見える with 見る (to look/watch); 見える is passive—something naturally comes into view, not something you're deliberately looking at.
•In polite or humble speech, especially in service situations (like in a shop or restaurant), 見える can be used instead of 来る (to come) when referring to someone respectfully (e.g., お客様が見えました = “A guest has arrived”).
•JLPT N4 level
Common Phrases & Expressions
よく見えます
I can see it well / It’s clearly visible
富士山が見える
You can see Mt. Fuji / Mt. Fuji is visible
お化けが見えた！
I saw a ghost! / A ghost appeared (visibly)
Complete Conjugation Table
Basic Forms
Dictionary Form
見える
Masu Form
見えます
Te Form
見えて
Past Form
見えた
Negative Form
見えない
Past Negative
見えなかった
Polite Forms
Polite Present
見えます
Polite Past
見えました
Polite Negative
見えません
Polite Past Negative
見えませんでした
Advanced Forms
Potential Form
見えられる
Passive Form
見えられる
Causative Form
見えさせる
Causative Passive
見えさせられる
Volitional Form
見えよう
Imperative Form
見えろ
Conditional Forms
Conditional (ば)
見えれば
Conditional (たら)
見えたら
Other Forms
Progressive Form
見えている
Desire (たい)
見えたい
Prohibition
見えるな