目(め)が利(き)く

めがきく
expression
to have a good eye for, to be discerning
1. to have a good eye for, to be discerning
To have the ability to recognize quality, value, or authenticity; to be a good judge of something.
彼女(かのじょ)は骨董品(こっとうひん)に目(め)が利(き)く。
She has a good eye for antiques.
目(め)の利(き)く人(ひと)に見(み)てもらおう。
Let's have someone with a discerning eye take a look.
長年(ながねん)の経験(けいけん)で、良(よ)い品(しな)に目(め)が利(き)くようになった。
Through years of experience, I've developed an eye for quality goods.

目(め)が利(き)く literally means "one's eyes work well" and describes the ability to judge quality or value accurately. It implies trained expertise rather than innate talent.

COMMON CONTEXTS:

Often used for expertise in evaluating:

  • 骨董品(こっとうひん) (antiques)
  • 美術品(びじゅつひん) (art)
  • 宝石(ほうせき) (gems)
  • 人材(じんざい) (talent/personnel)
  • 食材(しょくざい) (ingredients)

PATTERNS:

  • ～に目(め)が利(き)く: to have a good eye for ~
  • 目(め)の利(き)く人(ひと): a discerning person

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 目利(めき)き: a connoisseur, an expert judge (noun form)
  • 目(め)が肥(こ)えている: to have refined taste (from broad exposure)
  • 見(み)る目(め)がある: to have good judgment (more general)
general
Added 2026.2.5 11:47 · Revised 2026.3.29 14:14
10000/10097_megakiku