Memorize these, and you'll sound far more natural.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Situation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Shite miru (してみる) | I'll give it a try. | Someone offers you a strange snack. | | Mite kudasai (見てください) | Please look / Please take a look. | Showing a photo or a view. | | Mite mo ii desu ka? (見てもいいですか) | May I see/look? | Asking to see a document or a room. | | Mite iru (見ている) | I'm looking / I've been watching. | Watching a sports game or a child play. | | Mita koto ga aru (見たことがある) | I have seen it (before). | Talking about a movie or a place. | | Yoku miru to (よく見ると) | When you look closely... | Noticing a hidden detail. |
Ultimately, miru extends beyond vision. It becomes a metaphor for how we approach the world.
In Japanese business culture, the concept of genchi genbutsu (現地現物) – "go and see the actual place, the actual thing" – is a direct descendant of miru. Toyota’s production system demands that engineers leave their desks and go to the factory floor to miru the machine that is broken. They know: A report lies. Numbers lie. Only direct, intentional seeing reveals truth.
Don't use miru for "meeting" someone. That's "au" (会う).
This is where miru becomes a grammatical powerhouse. When you attach -te miru to the te-form of another verb, it means "to try doing something" or "to do something to see what happens." Memorize these, and you'll sound far more natural
Why this is useful: It expresses experimentation and low commitment. It's perfect for suggestions, trying new things, or tentative actions.
To master miru, focus on these three levels:
Final Pro-Tip: Listen for the -te miru pattern. When a Japanese speaker says Yatte miru (やってみる - "I'll try doing it"), they sound proactive and open-minded. Using this one pattern will instantly make your Japanese feel more natural and less textbook-stiff.
Because "Miru" refers to several popular entities, here are informative reviews for the most prominent ones—a high-end Japanese restaurant and a collection of boutique hotels. 1. Miru (Restaurant) – Chicago & New York
Miru is a modern Japanese restaurant by Lettuce Entertain You, located on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago with a second location at Pier 57 in NYC. In Japanese business culture, the concept of genchi
The Vibe: Celebrated for its "jaw-dropping" panoramic views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The outdoor patio is considered one of the best in the city.
The Food: The menu focuses on sushi and Izakaya-style shareable plates. Standout dishes frequently mentioned by reviewers include the Hamachi with lemon, Spicy King Crab roll, and the Crispy Pork Belly.
The Verdict: While the food and scenery are consistently rated 5/5, some reviewers on Tripadvisor note that service can be inconsistent during peak times and cocktails are priced on the higher end ($21–$22). 2. Miru Collection (Hotels) – Kyoto & Niseko
A group of lifestyle hotels known for blending modern design with local Japanese culture.
Miru Kyoto Nishiki: Located just a 3-minute walk from the famous Nishiki Market. Guests highly recommend it for its spotless, quiet rooms and helpful English-speaking staff. Why this is useful: It expresses experimentation and
Pro-tip: They offer a free daily croissant and coffee service in the morning.
Miru Kyoto Gion: Situated in the heart of Gion, this location is praised for being a "perfect home base." Rooms are larger than typical Japanese hotel standards and include high-end amenities like Nespresso machines and iPads for local info.
Miru Niseko: A destination hotel featuring apartments and lodges with stunning views of Mount Yotei, ideal for travelers looking for a tranquil escape near the ski centers. 3. MIRU (Solo Roleplaying Game)
If you are referring to the indie game, MIRU is a "hexcrawl" adventure where you hunt a god in a post-apocalyptic world. MIRU, Chicago - Reviews & Information (2026) - Tripadvisor
If you were instead referring to the Japanese word "Miru" (meaning "to see/watch") or the open-source media player software, please see the note at the end of this report.