1.
mesh; net openings; holes in a net
the individual openings in a net or woven material
網目が細かい。
The mesh is fine.
網目の大きさを確認する。
To check the size of the mesh.
網目から風が通る。
Wind passes through the mesh.
網目をくぐり抜ける。
To slip through the mesh/net.
2.
net pattern; mesh pattern
a pattern resembling a network of crossed lines
網目状の模様が入っている。
It has a mesh-like pattern.
キリンの網目模様。
The mesh pattern on a giraffe.
Giraffe pattern in Japanese is often called 網目模様
網目 refers to the openings in a net or mesh, or to patterns resembling such a structure.
COMPOUND STRUCTURE:
網 (net) + 目 (eye/opening) = the 'eyes' or holes of a net.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 網目が細かい/粗い (fine/coarse mesh)
- 網目状 (mesh-like, reticulated)
- 網目模様 (mesh/net pattern)
FIGURATIVE USAGE:
- 法の網目 (loopholes in the law)
- 網目をくぐる (to slip through the net/evade)
RELATED WORDS:
- 網 (net)
- メッシュ (mesh - loanword)
- 格子 (lattice)
- 編み目 (stitch in knitting - different word)
NOTE: Don't confuse with 編み目 (knitting stitch), which uses a different kanji.