Processing keyword: ～とみられる (～to mirareru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～とみられる (～to mirareru)

Grammar Point: ～とみられる (～to mirareru)

1. Introduction

The expression ～とみられる is used in Japanese to convey that something is considered, believed, or expected to be a certain way based on evidence or reasoning. It is often translated as "it is believed that...", "it is considered that...", or "it is expected that...". This grammar point is commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports, academic writings, and official statements.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～とみられる expresses the speaker's inference or assumption that something is likely to be true, based on available information or observations.

Structure

The formation of ～とみられる depends on the part of speech of the preceding word:

1. Verb (Plain Form) + とみられる
2. Noun + とみられる
3. い-Adjective (Plain Form) + とみられる
4. な-Adjective (Stem) + だ + とみられる

Formation Diagram

Explanation

• と: Particle meaning "that".
• みられる: Passive potential form of 見る (to see), but in this context, it means "is seen as" or "is believed to". Usage Notes:
• This structure imparts a formal and objective tone.
• It is often used when presenting information based on evidence, analysis, or commonly held beliefs.

Visual Aid

[Sentence in Plain Form] + とみられる

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

～と思われる

• Meaning: "It is thought that..."
• Usage: Similar to ～とみられる, but ～と思われる places more emphasis on general opinion or thought.
• Example: 彼は辞任する と思われる。
  • It is thought that he will resign.

～ようだ

• Meaning: "It seems that...", "It appears that..."
• Usage: Used for personal conjecture based on direct evidence.
• Example: 雨が降る ようだ。
  • It seems that it will rain.

Comparison Table

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 犯罪の動機は金銭的な目的とみられる。
   • It is believed that the motive for the crime was financial gain.
2. 経済成長は来年減速するとみられる。
   • It is expected that economic growth will slow down next year.
3. その噂は事実とみられる。
   • The rumor is considered to be true.
4. 彼の失踪は事故によるものとみられる。
   • His disappearance is believed to be due to an accident.
5. 新しい法案は議会で可決されるとみられる。
   • It is expected that the new bill will be passed in parliament.

Context Variations

• Formal Written (News Article):
  • 世界人口は今後も増加するとみられる。
    • It is believed that the world population will continue to increase.
• Formal Spoken (Presentation):
  • このプロジェクトは成功するとみられています。
    • This project is expected to succeed.
• Academic Writing:
  • この薬の副作用は少ないとみられる。
    • It is considered that this medication has few side effects.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Objective Reporting: In Japanese culture, particularly in media and formal communication, there is a preference for presenting information objectively and cautiously. ～とみられる allows the speaker or writer to state conclusions without asserting them as absolute facts.

• Indirectness: The use of ～とみられる reflects the cultural value placed on indirectness and humility, avoiding definitive statements unless absolutely certain.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• High Formality: This grammar point is suitable for formal contexts and is often found in newspapers, official reports, and academic papers.
• Not Common in Casual Conversation: In everyday speech, more casual expressions like ～みたいだ or ～ようだ are used to express conjecture.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using in Casual Contexts
   • Mistake: Using ～とみられる in informal conversation.
     • Incorrect: 明日は雨が降るとみられるね。
     • Correct: 明日は雨が降りそうだね。
2. Incorrect Verb Forms
   • Mistake: Using the masu-form or te-form before とみられる.
     • Incorrect: 彼は来ますとみられる。
     • Correct: 彼は来るとみられる。
3. Confusion with 見られる (Can Be Seen)
   • Mistake: Misinterpreting みられる as "can be seen" rather than "is believed".
     • Incorrect: 富士山が見られるとみられる。
     • Correct: 富士山が見えるとみられる。

Learning Strategies

• Associate with Formal Contexts: Remember that ～とみられる is used in formal situations. When reading news articles or academic texts, pay attention to how it's used.

• Practice Translating News Headlines: Try translating headlines from Japanese newspapers to get accustomed to the usage of ～とみられる.

• Create Example Sentences: Write your own sentences using ～とみられる in different contexts to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: ～とみられる expresses that something is believed, considered, or expected to be a certain way based on evidence or reasoning.

• Formality: It is a formal expression commonly used in written language and official communications.

• Structure: Attach とみられる to the plain form of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank 地球温暖化は進行している________。
   • Answer: とみられる
2. True or False ～とみられる is appropriate to use in casual conversations with friends.
   • Answer: False
3. Multiple Choice Which of the following sentences correctly uses ～とみられる? a) 彼は学生だとみられる。 b) 彼は学生ですとみられる。 c) 彼は学生になりますとみられる。
   • Answer: a) 彼は学生だとみられる。

By understanding and practicing the use of ～とみられる, you can enhance your ability to read and comprehend formal Japanese texts, as well as express conjectures in a polite and formal manner.