目(め)を奪(うば)われる

めをうばわれる
expression, verb phrase
to be captivated by; to be mesmerized; to be unable to look away
1. to be captivated by; to be mesmerized by; to be entranced
To be so attracted or impressed by something's beauty, splendor, or remarkable quality that one cannot look away. The passive form suggests being involuntarily drawn in.
夕焼(ゆうや)けの美(うつく)しさに目(め)を奪(うば)われた。
I was captivated by the beauty of the sunset.
彼女(かのじょ)のドレス姿(すがた)に目(め)を奪(うば)われた。
I was mesmerized by her in that dress.
思(おも)わず目(め)を奪(うば)われるほどの絶景(ぜっけい)だった。
It was such a breathtaking view that I couldn't help but be captivated.

IDIOM STRUCTURE:
目(め) (eyes) + を + 奪(うば)われる (to be taken/stolen - passive)

Literally "to have one's eyes stolen" - implies something is so striking that it captures and holds your gaze involuntarily.

GRAMMAR:
〜に目(め)を奪(うば)われる - to be captivated by ~
思(おも)わず目(め)を奪(うば)われる - to be involuntarily captivated

NUANCE:

Always positive - used for things of beauty, grandeur, or impressive quality:

  • 景色(けしき) (scenery)
  • 美(び) (beauty)
  • 芸術(げいじゅつ) (art)
  • 人(ひと)の姿(すがた) (someone's appearance)

The passive form emphasizes that the viewer has no control - the beauty compels attention.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 見(み)とれる - to be fascinated, to gaze in admiration
  • 見入(みい)る - to gaze at intently
  • 魅了(みりょう)される - to be charmed/fascinated
  • 心(こころ)を奪(うば)われる - to have one's heart stolen
  • 目(め)を引(ひ)く - to catch the eye (less intense)

REGISTER:
Slightly literary/poetic. Common in descriptive writing and when expressing admiration.

general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50
07000/07454_mewoubawareru