Word
seen
Phoneticsseen
US/ˈsin/
UK/sˈiːn/
Definitions
01past participle of see
A1 · Beginner
v. the form of 'see' used after 'have', 'has', or 'had'.
v. the past participle of the irregular verb 'see', used in perfect tenses and passive constructions.
“I have seen this film three times already.”
“By the time the investigators arrived, several witnesses had already seen the suspect fleeing toward the station.”
Usage
Requires an auxiliary verb such as 'have', 'has', or 'had' in standard English.
Pitfall
I seen that movie yesterday.
I have seen that movie before.
In standard English, 'seen' requires a helping verb like 'have' or 'has'. Use 'saw' for the simple past without a helping verb.
02saw
C1 · Advanced Dialect · Informal
v. a way of saying 'saw' in some local types of English.
v. the simple past form of 'see' in nonstandard or dialectal usage.
“I seen him at the park yesterday morning.”
“He told the officer he seen the car turn the corner, though his statement was later questioned due to the poor lighting.”
Usage
Used without an auxiliary verb in specific regional dialects.
Teaching tip
Learners should recognize this in speech but avoid using it in exams or professional writing as it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Synonyms
03understood
C2 · Proficiency Dialect · Slang
interj. a word used to show you understand or agree with someone.
interj. an affirmative interjection used to signal comprehension or agreement, particularly common in Jamaican English.
“It's a long walk, so we should leave early, seen?”
“The speaker paused after explaining the plan, looking at his friend and asking, 'Seen?' to ensure they were in agreement.”
Teaching tip
This is a specific feature of Caribbean English and its diaspora; it functions similarly to 'you see?' or 'understand?'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “seen” in context.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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