1.
public eye; notice of others; other people's attention
The gaze or attention of other people around you. Used when someone is conscious of being watched or judged by others.
人目を気にする。
To be conscious of other people's eyes.
人目を避けて会うことにした。
We decided to meet away from the public eye.
人目も気にせず、駅のホームで泣いてしまった。
Without caring about other people watching, I broke down crying on the station platform.
USAGE:
Most commonly used in the phrases 人目を気にする (to worry about what others think) and 人目を避ける (to avoid others' eyes). Reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on awareness of social perception.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人目を気にする (to be self-conscious about others watching)
- 人目を避ける (to avoid public attention)
- 人目につく (to attract attention)
- 人目もはばからず (without regard for others watching)
- 人目を引く (to draw attention)
NOTE:
Do not confuse with the homophone 一目 (a glance; at a glance).
Related Words
Homophone:
一目 (a glance, at a glance)