面倒を見る
take care of
Littéralement: To look at the trouble/bother
Use this when you are actively mentoring or providing essential care for someone or something.
En 15 secondes
- Taking responsibility for someone's well-being or growth.
- Commonly used for pets, children, and junior coworkers.
- Implies handling the 'bother' so others can succeed.
Signification
It means taking someone under your wing and looking after their needs. You are essentially taking responsibility for their well-being, guidance, or daily care.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a pet
Kyō wa inu no mendō o minai to ikenai.
I have to look after the dog today.
At the office with a new hire
Tanaka-san, shinjin no mendō o mite kudasai.
Mr. Tanaka, please look after the new employee.
Texting a friend about a favor
Chotto imōto no mendō o mite kureru?
Can you look after my little sister for a bit?
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Japanese concept of 'Giri' (social obligation). Taking care of others is seen as a vital part of maintaining social harmony. It is deeply rooted in the mentorship culture found in traditional arts and modern corporate life.
The 'Caring' Personality
If you want to compliment someone for being helpful, call them 'Mendō-mi ga ii hito'. It is one of the best compliments in a Japanese office!
Don't 'Look' at Machines
Remember, this is for living things or people. If your computer breaks, don't use this phrase. Use 'naosu' (to fix) instead.
En 15 secondes
- Taking responsibility for someone's well-being or growth.
- Commonly used for pets, children, and junior coworkers.
- Implies handling the 'bother' so others can succeed.
What It Means
Imagine a mother bird and her chicks. You are the mother bird. You handle the messy bits so they can thrive. Mendō means trouble or bother. Miru means to see or look at. Together, they mean you are 'looking at the trouble' so nobody else has to. It is about being responsible for someone else's success or safety.
How To Use It
You use the particle no to connect the person or thing to the phrase. For example, akachan no mendō o miru (look after a baby). It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it in the present, past, or polite forms. If someone is doing it for you, you say mendō o mite morau.
When To Use It
Use it when you are the one in charge. It is perfect for pets, younger siblings, or new employees. If you are babysitting, this is your go-to phrase. If you are a senior student helping a junior, use this. It shows you are being a reliable leader. You can even use it for a garden if you are feeling poetic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for inanimate objects that need fixing. You do not mendō o miru a broken car. You repair it. Also, avoid using it for people much higher in status than you. You would not say you are 'looking after' your CEO. That sounds like you think they are a helpless child! Stick to osewa ni naru when talking to bosses.
Cultural Background
Japan thrives on the Sempai (senior) and Kohai (junior) relationship. This phrase is the engine of that system. A good Sempai is expected to mendō o miru for their juniors. It is not just a chore; it is a duty. It builds deep social bonds and trust in schools and offices. It is the 'big brother/sister' energy of Japanese culture.
Common Variations
You will often hear mendō-mi ga ii. This describes a person who is naturally caring. If your friend always helps others, they are mendō-mi ga ii. Another variation is mendō o miru no ga taihen. This is what you say when the puppy you bought is way more work than you expected!
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for most daily situations. Just be careful not to use it toward superiors, as it implies you are the one in the dominant or 'provider' role.
The 'Caring' Personality
If you want to compliment someone for being helpful, call them 'Mendō-mi ga ii hito'. It is one of the best compliments in a Japanese office!
Don't 'Look' at Machines
Remember, this is for living things or people. If your computer breaks, don't use this phrase. Use 'naosu' (to fix) instead.
The Sempai Secret
In Japan, 'looking after' someone often includes buying them lunch. If you are the one 'looking after' a junior, be prepared to open your wallet!
Exemples
6Kyō wa inu no mendō o minai to ikenai.
I have to look after the dog today.
A very common way to describe pet care duties.
Tanaka-san, shinjin no mendō o mite kudasai.
Mr. Tanaka, please look after the new employee.
This implies mentoring and showing them the ropes.
Chotto imōto no mendō o mite kureru?
Can you look after my little sister for a bit?
Informal request using the 'te kureru' form.
Yopparai no mendō o miru no wa mō iya da!
I'm sick of taking care of drunks!
Used when a friend is being a 'handful' after drinking.
Sensei ni wa zutto mendō o mite itadakimashita.
The teacher has looked after me for a long time.
Uses humble language to show deep respect.
Ryōshin no mendō o miru no wa tōzen da.
It's natural to take care of one's parents.
Reflects a sense of duty and social expectation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I will look after the cat.'
Neko ___ mendō o mimasu.
The particle 'no' is used to connect the object (neko) to the phrase 'mendō o miru'.
Which verb completes the phrase 'to take care of'?
Mendō o ___.
While 'suru' (to do) is used in many phrases, 'miru' (to see/look) is the specific verb for this collocation.
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Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Mendō o miru'
Used with friends or siblings.
Mendō miru yo!
Standard polite form for daily life.
Mendō o mimasu.
Humble form used for superiors.
Mendō o mite itadaku.
When to use 'Mendō o miru'
Family
Babysitting a niece.
Work
Training a new intern.
Pets
Feeding a neighbor's cat.
Social
Helping a lost tourist.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Sewa o suru' is more about physical tasks like cleaning or feeding. 'Mendō o miru' is broader and includes guidance and responsibility.
Yes, you can! It sounds like you are very dedicated to your garden, like shokubutsu no mendō o miru.
No, it sounds patronizing. Use osewa ni naru to indicate that they are the ones taking care of you.
You should say Mendō o mite kurete arigatō to a friend, or Mendō o mite itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu to a mentor.
While mendō literally means trouble, in this phrase, it just refers to the 'tasks' or 'needs' of the person you are helping.
Yes, you can mendō o miru for a project, meaning you are the one responsible for its success.
No, it is a standard collocation used by everyone from children to the elderly.
Use the passive-like form: mendō o mite morau (to have someone look after you).
Yes, it is very common for nursing or looking after someone with a cold, like byōnin no mendō o miru.
They are similar in formality, but 'mendō o miru' feels slightly more conversational and 'big-picture'.
Expressions liées
世話をする
To perform physical care/service
面倒見が良い
To be a caring/helpful person
世話を焼く
To be over-meddling or fuss over someone
見守る
To watch over/keep an eye on
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