A common question among anmi-eikaiwa students these days is, "What is the difference between the words: look, see, and watch?
First, lets read what the American Heritage dictionary says:
Look: To employ one's sight, especially in a given direction or on a given object: looking out the window; looked at the floor. American Heritage Dictionary
See: To perceive with the eye. American Heritage Dictionary
Watch: To look at steadily; observe carefully or continuously: watch a parade. American Heritage Dictionary
How about some Japanese definitions?
Look: 見る。例：look at a picture 絵を見る 《英辞郎 第二版》
See: 見る。例: see text on-screen 画面上でテキストを見る 《ビジネス技術 実用英語大辞典 英和・和英/用例・文例 第4版 》
Watch: じっと[注意深く]見ている。例：watch TV [music videos] テレビ[音楽ビデオ]を観る 《ビジネス技術 実用英語大辞典 英和・和英/用例・文例 第4版 》
If we look at the Japanese definitions, both "see" and "look" appear to be the same. I think watch is a little bit easier to understand for English students.
More details:
Look: The word "look" is used when you intended to look at something. (見ようとする・目を向ける)
Here are some more examples:
- What are you looking at? 何を見ているのですか？
- I looked outside but saw nobody. 外を見たが誰もいなかった。
- Look at the picture on the wall. 壁に掛かっている絵を御覧なさい。
See: The word "see" is used when you didn't intend to see something, but you saw it. (見る･見える)
Here are some more examples:
- I saw a certain politician go into that store. 私はある政治家がその店に入るのを見た。
- You can see Mt. Fuji from here. ここから富士山が見えますよ。
Watch: The word "watch" is used when intended to watch something and kept watching (usually because it is moving). (見る･じっと見る)
Here are some more examples:
- I watch television every evening. 毎晩テレビを見ます。
- Watch how I do it. 私のやり方を見ていなさい。
- I don't play soccer, but I like to watch. 私はサッカーはしませんが、見るのは好きです。
Can you visualize the differences in these sentences?
1. I looked at a bird that was hopping in my backyard.
-- (I was surprised to see the bird. I wondered what kind it was. I looked at the bird for a short time--maybe 3 or 4 seconds. I was happy to see it.)
2. I saw a bird that was hopping in my backyard.
--(I saw something hopping. I looked and saw a bird. I didn't care what kind it was. I looked at the bird for 1 second. I forgot about the bird later that day. I didn't care about the bird.)
3. I watched a bird that was hopping in my backyard.
-- (I saw something moving. I looked and saw a bird. I was happy to see such a beautiful bird. I wanted to know what kind of bird it was. I watched it hopping, eating, and singing to the other birds. I wanted to take a picture of the bird. I tried to feed the bird. I really love birds and want to see the bird again.)
Unfortunately, using "look" and "watch" can be confusing for English students. For example:
I saw a movie.
I watched a movie.
If you say, "I saw a movie," then I imagine you went to a theater and watched the movie and went home.
If you say, "I watched a movie," then I imagine you bought your ticket, some popcorn and a Coke, sat down in the theater, enjoyed watching the movie while enjoying your snacks. I imagine you laughed, were surprised, and maybe cried.
Can you understand this dialog?
A: How was your weekend?
B: It was great! I saw The Davinci Code.
A: Did you watch it by yourself?
B: No, I didn't. I watched it with my boyfriend. We loved the suspense and mystery of the movie! You should see it if you get a chance.
A: Really? OK. Maybe I'll rent the DVD and watch it at home with my wife.
Think of your own examples as ask me about then in class!
