Japanese Conversation · Level 49
90 words
Japanese word
横目
Pronunciation
Romajiyokome
Meaning
- nounsidelong glance
Example
彼は私を横目で見ます。kare wa watashi o yoko me de mi ma su
He looks at me out of the corner of his eye.
More examples
彼は本を読み続けながら、時計を横目で見ました。kare wa hon o yo mi tsuzu ke na ga ra tokei o yoko me de mi ma shi ta
He glanced at the clock out of the corner of his eye while continuing to read his book.
Core concept
It describes directing the eyes sideways rather than turning the head, often to observe something discreetly.
Common phrases
横目で見るyoko me de mi ru
look at ___ out of the corner of one's eye
横目で追うyoko me de o u
follow ___ with a sidelong glance
Similar words
流し目nagashime: A sideways glance given to someone in an intentional and expressive way.
ちら見chirami: A brief look at someone or something that does not involve sustained attention.
盗み見nusumimi: A secret look at someone or something made while trying not to be noticed.
Definition in Japanese
顔の向きは変えず、視線だけを横に向けて見ること。kao no mu ki wa ka e zu shi sen da ke o yoko ni mu ke te mi ru ko to
Word origin
The native Japanese compound 横目 (yokome, "sideways eye") combines 横 (yoko, "side") and 目 (me, "eye").
Usage tips
- The phrase 横目で見る (yokome de miru) often suggests checking someone without openly facing them, so it can sound more secretive than a neutral look.
Opposites
- 正面shōmenfrontnoun