目線(めせん)

めせん
noun
gaze, line of sight, perspective
senseabstract
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(めせん)をください。
Please look at the camera.
彼女(かのじょ)は目線(めせん)をそらした。
She averted her gaze.
話(はな)すときは相手(あいて)と同(おな)じ目線(めせん)の高(たか)さに合(あ)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(こども)の目線(めせん)で考(かんが)える。
To think from a child's perspective.
消費者(しょうひしゃ)目線(めせん)でサービスを見直(みなお)す。
To review services from a consumer's perspective.
上(うえ)から目線(めせん)で話(はな)す人(ひと)は嫌(きら)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(うえ)から目線(めせん) (looking down from above) is very common and means a condescending or patronizing attitude. It is almost always negative.

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 視線(しせん) (gaze (formal))
general
Added 2026.2.26 21:22 · Revised 2026.10.1 17:10
13500/13650_mesen