1.
gaze, line of sight, eyes
The direction in which a person is looking, or the act of looking at someone. Often used to describe the feeling of being watched or to indicate where someone's attention is directed.
視線を感じた。
I felt someone's gaze on me.
彼は視線をそらして黙った。
He averted his gaze and fell silent.
周りの人の視線が気になって、うまく話せなかった。
I was so conscious of the people around me staring that I couldn't speak well.
USAGE:
視線 emphasizes the directional, almost physical quality of a gaze — it can be felt, directed, or avoided. Compare with 目線 (eye level, perspective), which is more casual and also used figuratively (子供目線 = from a child's perspective).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 視線を感じる: to feel someone's gaze
- 視線をそらす: to avert one's eyes
- 視線を向ける: to direct one's gaze
- 視線を合わせる: to make eye contact
- 視線が集まる: all eyes gather (on someone)