1.
to have a chance; to have hope; to show promise; to have prospects
To have a possibility of success, especially in romantic pursuit or business negotiations. Derived from the medical sense of having a pulse (being alive), extended to mean there is still life/hope in a situation.
まだ脈はあると思う。
I think there's still a chance.
彼女の態度から見て、脈がありそうだ。
Judging from her attitude, it looks like I have a chance.
何度誘っても断られるなら、脈がないのかもしれない。
If you keep getting turned down no matter how many times you ask, there might be no chance.
Literally 'there is a pulse,' metaphorically meaning 'there is still hope or a chance.' The image comes from checking someone's pulse — if there is a pulse, they are still alive; if there is hope, the situation is still viable.
USAGE:
Very commonly used in romantic contexts to gauge whether someone has a chance with a potential partner. Also used in business for negotiations or deals. The negative 脈がない (no chance) is equally common.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 脈がある: there's a chance
- 脈がない: there's no chance
- 脈ありと見る: to judge that there's hope
- 脈なしと判断する: to conclude there's no hope
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 見込みがある: to have prospects — more neutral and formal; used broadly for any situation
- 望みがある: to have hope — more literary; emphasizes desire and hope rather than practical assessment