目(め)を奪(うば)われる

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.

Common patterns

〜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

Usage

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 words

• 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.