見える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 見える(みえる) is a verb describing something as visible or coming into view.
• Basic usage: The visible object takes が, as in 海が見える and 山が見える.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 見る
  • 見る is the deliberate act of looking, whereas 見える focuses on an object being naturally visible.
• Sight and impression
  • Both current examples concern actual visibility; in another context, the verb can also mean that something appears or seems a certain way.