1.
first-time customer; new customer; first visit to an establishment
A customer visiting a shop, restaurant, or establishment for the first time. Often used in traditional Japanese businesses where regular customers are valued.
この店は一見さんお断りだ。
This shop doesn't accept first-time customers.
一見の客でも歓迎してくれた。
They welcomed me even though I was a first-time customer.
紹介がないと一見では入れない料亭だ。
It's a traditional restaurant that first-timers can't enter without an introduction.
COMPOUND STRUCTURE:
一 (one/first) + 見 (seeing/meeting)
Literally "first meeting/seeing" - refers to the first time a customer visits.
KEY PHRASE:
「一見さんお断り」 is a famous expression meaning "first-time customers not accepted." Common at:
- Traditional 料亭 (high-end Japanese restaurants)
- Exclusive お茶屋 (teahouses in Kyoto)
- Member-only establishments
- High-end バー (bars)
CULTURAL NOTE:
This practice exists to:
- Maintain quality of service
- Ensure customers understand etiquette
- Protect privacy of regular customers
- Preserve exclusive atmosphere
Typically, a referral from a regular customer (常連) is needed for first-time entry.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 一見さん - first-time customer (polite)
- 一見の客 - first-time customer
- 一見お断り - no first-timers
CONTRASTED WITH:
- 常連 - regular customer
- お得意さん - valued regular customer
- 馴染み - familiar customer
NOTE ON READING:
Different from 一見 (at first glance) which has different kanji reading and meaning.