1.
gaze, line of sight
The direction in which someone is looking. Originally a film/TV term for directing actors' eye lines.
カメラに目線をください。
Please look at the camera.
彼女は目線をそらした。
She averted her gaze.
話すときは相手と同じ目線の高さに合わせるといい。
When talking, it's good to match the other person's eye level.
2.
perspective, point of view
A figurative use meaning the standpoint or perspective from which something is seen or considered.
子供の目線で考える。
To think from a child's perspective.
消費者目線でサービスを見直す。
To review services from a consumer's perspective.
上から目線で話す人は嫌われやすい。
People who talk down to others tend to be disliked.
USAGE:
Originally a film/television term for directing where actors should look. Now widely used in everyday language for both literal gaze and figurative perspective.
The expression 上から目線 (looking down from above) is very common and means a condescending or patronizing attitude. It is almost always negative.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 上から目線: condescending attitude
- 子供目線: a child's perspective
- 消費者目線: consumer's perspective
- 目線を合わせる: to match eye level
- 目線をそらす: to avert one's gaze
- カメラ目線: looking at the camera