Japanese by Example
Learning through examples in manga

Observing with 観る

() means to look at something intentionally, to focus one’s attention on something.

In comparison, ()る is more passive and unconcious (such as casually watching television) whereas ()る is more active and aware, observing (such as carefully watching television).

Examples

Shall we go see a movie with 観る

アオハライド » Volume 12 » Page 42

After talking with her boyfriend in the hall, Futaba returns to her classroom and walks over to her friends.

双葉(ふたば):
「この映画(えいが)一緒(いっしょ)()()かない?」
“How about going to see this movie?”
悠里(ゆうり):
「え どの映画(えいが)?」
“Oh, which movie?”

See Also

Watching the news with 観る

からかい上手の(元)高木さん » Volume 1 » Page 113

As Nishikata watches the news, his daughter sits down to watch.

西片(にしかた):
「ちーはニュースも()のかー。」
“You watch the news too, huh, Chi?”
ちー:
「テレビすきー。」
“I like television.”

Supplemental Examples