1.
to look at, to see (humble)
Humble form of 見る, used when the speaker views something belonging to or offered by a superior.
お写真を拝見しました。
I looked at your photo. (humble)
資料を拝見してもよろしいですか。
May I take a look at the documents? (humble)
メールを拝見しました。
I have read your email. (humble)
お名刺を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか。
May I have a look at your business card? (humble)
先日お送りいただいた企画書を拝見いたしました。大変参考になりました。
I have reviewed the proposal you sent the other day. It was very helpful. (humble)
拝見する is the humble (謙譲語) form of 見る. The speaker uses it to lower their own action of looking at or viewing something, showing respect to the person whose item they are viewing.
POLITENESS LEVELS FOR "TO SEE":
- 見る: neutral/plain
- 拝見する: humble (lowers the speaker's action)
- ご覧になる: honorific (elevates the other person's action)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- お写真を拝見する: to look at (your) photo
- 資料を拝見する: to look at the documents
- 拝見いたします: even more humble (business keigo)
USAGE:
Common in business settings, customer service, and formal interactions. Often used when receiving someone's business card, documents, or work. The object being viewed typically belongs to or was created by the person being shown respect.