1.
tidal front, ocean current boundary
The boundary where two ocean currents meet, often visible as a line on the water's surface. Important in fishing as fish tend to gather at these boundaries.
潮目に魚が集まる。
Fish gather at the tidal front.
暖流と寒流がぶつかる潮目は好漁場になる。
Tidal fronts where warm and cold currents meet become good fishing grounds.
海面に潮目がはっきりと見えた。
The tidal front was clearly visible on the sea surface.
2.
turning point, shift in the tide
A figurative turning point or moment when the direction of events, public opinion, or a situation changes decisively.
選挙の潮目が変わった。
The tide of the election turned.
あの発言が世論の潮目を変えた。
That statement shifted the tide of public opinion.
業界の潮目が変わりつつあり、新しい技術への投資が加速している。
The tide is turning in the industry, and investment in new technology is accelerating.
USAGE:
The figurative sense (turning point) is extremely common in news and political commentary. The phrase 潮目が変わる (the tide turns) is the most frequent usage pattern, used for shifts in elections, markets, public sentiment, and negotiations.
SIMILAR WORDS:
転機 (turning point) is a more general term. 潮目 specifically evokes the metaphor of ocean currents and implies a large-scale, decisive shift rather than a personal turning point.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 潮目が変わる: the tide turns
- 潮目を読む: to read the tide (gauge the situation)
- 潮目の変化: shift in the tide