1.
silent bow, nod of acknowledgment, greeting with the eyes
A wordless greeting made by briefly lowering one's gaze or giving a slight nod to acknowledge someone, rather than speaking or bowing deeply. A subtle and restrained form of greeting.
すれ違うときに目礼した。
I gave a silent nod as we passed each other.
会議中だったので、彼は目礼だけで席についた。
Since the meeting was in progress, he just gave a silent nod and took his seat.
上司と廊下で目が合い、お互いに目礼を交わした。
I made eye contact with my boss in the hallway, and we exchanged a silent nod.
USAGE:
A compound of 目 (eye) and 礼 (bow, greeting). Used when a full verbal greeting or deep bow would be inappropriate — for example, during a meeting, in a quiet space, or when passing someone in a hallway. A refined and understated form of acknowledgment.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 目礼する: to give a silent nod
- 目礼を交わす: to exchange silent nods
- 軽く目礼する: to give a slight nod of acknowledgment