Meaning and Usage
The verb 見上げる (みあげる) primarily means "to look up at" something physically above you, such as the sky, a building, or a person taller than you. It can also express admiration or respect toward someone or something, similar to "to look up to" in English.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 見上げる used when describing looking up at the sky, tall structures, or statues. It is also used metaphorically to express admiration for someone's qualities or achievements.
Collocations and Patterns
- 見上げる 空 (そら): to look up at the sky, often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
- 見上げる 人 (ひと): to look up at a person, either physically or figuratively (admiration).
- 見上げた 努力 (どりょく): admirable effort, showing respect for someone's hard work.
Register and Nuance
見上げる is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. When expressing admiration, it often carries a positive nuance of respect or awe.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 見上げる with 見下ろす (みおろす), which means "to look down on." Remember that 見上げる involves looking upward, both literally and figuratively, while 見下ろす is the opposite.