目 利(めき)き

めきき

noun

connoisseur; good judge

1. connoisseur; expert judge; discerning eye

A person with the ability to judge the quality or authenticity of things — especially art, antiques, food, or other specialized items. Also refers to the ability itself.

彼(かれ)は骨董品(こっとうひん)の目利(めき)きだ。

He is a connoisseur of antiques.

魚(さかな)の目利(めき)きができる人(ひと)は少(すく)ない。

Few people can judge the quality of fish.

あの店(みせ)の店主(てんしゅ)は目利(めき)きが確(たし)かで、良(い)いものばかり並(なら)んでいる。

The shop owner has a reliable eye for quality — only good items are on display.

Usage

Can refer either to the person (目利(めき)き = connoisseur) or to the skill of judging (目利(めき)きができる = to be able to appraise). Commonly used in contexts involving antiques, art, gemstones, fish, and other items where expert evaluation matters.

Common collocations

目利(めき)きが確(たし)か (having a reliable eye)
目利(めき)きができる (to be able to judge quality)
目利(めき)きの力(ちから) (the ability to appraise)

Similar words

鑑定(かんてい): appraisal — more formal, often professional
通(つう): connoisseur — broader term for someone knowledgeable
見(み)る目(め)がある: to have a good eye — more casual expression

Related Words

Compare: 鑑定(かんてい) (appraisal)

Compare: 目(め)が利(き)く (to have a good eye for, to be discerning)

Compare: 鑑定士(かんていし) (appraiser)

Compare: 鑑識(かんしき) (forensics)

general

Added 2026.3.22 18:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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