1.
captivating, riveting, can't look away
Describes something so interesting or beautiful that one cannot stop watching.
この映画は目が離せない。
This movie is so captivating I can't look away.
彼女のダンスから目が離せなかった。
I couldn't take my eyes off her dance.
試合の展開が面白くて、最後まで目が離せなかった。
The game was so interesting that I couldn't look away until the very end.
今最も目が離せない若手選手だ。
He's the most captivating young player right now.
舞台の上で踊る彼女は美しくて、一瞬も目が離せなかった。
She was so beautiful dancing on stage that I couldn't look away for even a moment.
2.
requires constant attention, can't leave unattended
Describes someone or something that needs continuous watching for safety reasons.
小さい子供からは目が離せない。
You can't take your eyes off small children.
今後の動向から目が離せない。
We need to keep a close eye on future developments.
猫が病気で、一日中目が離せない。
The cat is sick, so I can't take my eyes off it all day.
赤ちゃんが歩き始めたので、前よりもっと目が離せなくなった。
The baby started walking, so I have to watch even more carefully than before.
この患者は容態が不安定で、しばらく目が離せない状態が続く。
This patient's condition is unstable, and they'll need constant attention for a while.
STRUCTURE: 目 (eye) + が + 離せない (cannot release). Literally 'cannot release one's eyes.'
TWO NUANCES:
1. Positive: Something is so fascinating you want to keep watching
2. Practical: Something requires attention for safety/caution
CONTRAST:
- 目が離せない: eyes stay fixed (passive attraction or need)
- 目を離す: to look away, take one's eyes off
- 手が離せない: hands are occupied (busy doing something)
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 釘付けになる (to be riveted, nailed in place)
- 見入る (to gaze at, be absorbed in watching)
Related Words
Contrast:
手が離せない (hands are full)