Japanese grammar
What does ～とみえて mean? Japanese grammar N1
～とみえて means it seems that…; apparently….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + とみえて N/な形 + だ + とみえて |
| Romaji | tomiete |
| Meaning | it seems that…; apparently… |
Forming it
| Noun | 留守 + だ + とみえて |
|---|---|
| Adjective | 忙しい + とみえて |
How to use it
States a GUESS based on observed evidence, then leads into the observed fact. The latter clause is the evidence.
- 「～とみえて」 = it seems A (a guess), which explains why phenomenon B occurs. The latter clause is the EVIDENCE that leads the speaker to guess so.
- Different from 「～ようだ」 (just states a guess): 「とみえて」 always links to observable evidence.
- A guess about ANOTHER PERSON/an outside matter, not used for oneself.
Examples
彼女は忙しいとみえて、最近連絡が途絶えている。
She must be busy — I haven’t heard from her lately.
留守だとみえて、電気が消えたままだ。
Nobody seems to be home — the lights are still off.
Keep in mind
- The following clause is observed evidence.
- Not used for oneself.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は疲れているとみえて、早く寝た。
Since I was tired, I went to bed early.
Correct私は疲れていたので、早く寝た。
「とみえて」 is used to guess about ANOTHER PERSON/something external, not for oneself.
-
Wrong忙しいとみえて。
He seems to be busy, since there's no reply.
Correct忙しいとみえて、返事がない。
The latter clause MUST state observed evidence; the sentence cannot stop there.
Exam tips
- 「とみえて」 = it seems A, hence B (B is the evidence); not used for oneself.