網目(あみめ)

あみめ
noun
mesh; net pattern; meshwork
1. mesh; net openings; holes in a net
the individual openings in a net or woven material
網目(あみめ)が細(こま)かい。
The mesh is fine.
To check the size of the mesh.
網目(あみめ)から風(かぜ)が通(とお)る。
Wind passes through the mesh.
網目(あみめ)をくぐり抜(ぬ)ける。
To slip through the mesh/net.
2. net pattern; mesh pattern
a pattern resembling a network of crossed lines
It has a mesh-like pattern.
キリンの網目(あみめ)模様(もよう)。
The mesh pattern on a giraffe.
Giraffe pattern in Japanese is often called 網目模様
A castle town with a grid-like network of streets.

網目(あみめ) refers to the openings in a net or mesh, or to patterns resembling such a structure.

Etymology

網(あみ) (net) + 目(め) (eye/opening) = the 'eyes' or holes of a net.

Common patterns

Usage

  • 法(ほう)の網目(あみめ) (loopholes in the law)
  • 網目(あみめ)をくぐる (to slip through the net/evade)

Related words

Note: Don't confuse with 編(あ)み目(め) (knitting stitch), which uses a different kanji.