1.
landmark; mark; sign
A distinguishing feature or object used as a reference point to identify a location or thing. Used both for physical markers and visual cues for navigation.
赤い屋根が目印です。
The red roof is the landmark.
荷物にリボンを付けて目印にした。
I tied a ribbon on my luggage as a mark to identify it.
駅前の大きな時計台を目印にして歩いてきてください。
Please walk toward the big clock tower in front of the station as your landmark.
USAGE:
目印 is used when giving directions ("look for X as a landmark") or when marking something for later identification. It is a very common everyday word.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 目印にする (to use as a landmark/marker)
- 目印になる (to serve as a landmark)
- 目印を付ける (to put a mark on something)
- いい目印 (a good landmark)
SIMILAR WORDS:
目標 means "goal" or "target," not a visual marker. 標識 refers to an official sign (like a road sign), while 目印 is any distinguishing feature used as a reference point.