In Japanese, the verbs '見える' (mieru) and '見る' (miru) might look alike, but they have different meanings that are important for good communication.

見える (Mieru)

• Meaning: This often means "to be seen" or "to be visible."
• Usage: Mieru is used when something can be seen without anyone trying to look directly at it. It shows that something is visible.
• Example: "山が見える" (Yama ga mieru) means "The mountain can be seen." Here, it focuses on the mountain being visible without anyone trying to see it.

見る (Miru)

• Meaning: This verb means "to see" or "to look at," and it usually involves a person making an effort to look.
• Usage: Miru is about actively watching or looking at something.
• Example: "映画を見る" (Eiga o miru) means "to watch a movie." In this case, the person is actively involved in watching the movie.

Key Differences

1. Action: Mieru shows that something is seen without effort, while miru means that someone is actively looking.
2. Context: Use mieru when talking about things that can be seen easily, and use miru when someone is intentionally watching or looking at something.

By understanding these small differences, you can improve your Japanese skills and express yourself more clearly!