人目(ひとめ)

ひとめ
noun
public eye; notice of others
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(ひとめ)を気(き)にする。
To be conscious of other people's eyes.
人目(ひとめ)を避(さ)けて会(あ)うことにした。
We decided to meet away from the public eye.
人目(ひとめ)も気(き)にせず、駅(えき)のホームで泣(な)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(ひとめ)を気(き)にする (to worry about what others think) and 人目(ひとめ)を避(さ)ける (to avoid others' eyes). Reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on awareness of social perception.
Do not confuse with the homophone 一目(ひとめ) (a glance; at a glance).

Common collocations

  • 人目(ひとめ)を気(き)にする (to be self-conscious about others watching)
  • 人目(ひとめ)を避(さ)ける (to avoid public attention)
  • 人目(ひとめ)につく (to attract attention)
  • 人目(ひとめ)もはばからず (without regard for others watching)
  • 人目(ひとめ)を引(ひ)く (to draw attention)

Related Words

Homophone: 一目(ひとめ) (a glance, at a glance)
general
Added 2026.3.19 19:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17500/17973_hitome