1.
to catch one's eye, to stand out, to be noticeable
Something draws attention, either because it is prominent or because it keeps happening. Can be positive (something eye-catching) or negative (something annoyingly conspicuous).
赤い看板が目についた。
A red sign caught my eye.
最近、空き店舗が目につく。
Lately, vacant shops are noticeable.
彼の態度の悪さがだんだん目につくようになった。
His bad attitude gradually became more and more noticeable.
USAGE:
Often used when something catches one's attention spontaneously. When the subject is negative (bad behavior, mistakes, problems), the expression implies annoyance at how conspicuous it is. When the subject is neutral or positive, it simply means something stands out visually.
PATTERNS:
- 〜が目につく: something catches one's eye
- 目につくところ: noticeable points, things that stand out
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 目立つ: to stand out, to be conspicuous (more general)
- 目に入る: to come into view
- 目を引く: to attract attention (more deliberate)