Japanese word

目つき

Pronunciation

Romajimetsuki

Meaning

  • nounlook

Example

彼は目つきが怖いです。kare wa me tsu ki ga kowa i de su

He has a scary look in his eyes.

Illustration for 目つき (look)

More examples

彼女は笑うと目つきが優しくなります。kano jo wa wara u to me tsu ki ga yasa shi ku na ri ma su

Her look becomes gentler when she smiles.

Core concept

Describes the expression in a person's eyes as it appears to others.

Common phrases

  • 目つきが怖いme tsu ki ga kowa i

    have a scary look

  • 目つきが鋭いme tsu ki ga surudo i

    have a sharp look

  • 目つきが悪いme tsu ki ga waru i

    have a mean look

Similar words

眼差しmanazashi: A look in the eyes that conveys warmth, severity, or another feeling.
眼光gankō: The forceful impression conveyed by a person's eyes.
睨みnirami: A hostile look directed at a person or thing.

Definition in Japanese

目の形や表情から受ける、その人の印象。me no katachi ya hyō jō ka ra u ke ru so no hito no in shō

Word origin

目つき (metsuki) is formed from 目 (me, "eye") and つき (tsuki, "appearance or condition"), a noun-form element related to 付く (tsuku, "to appear").

Usage tips

  • English look can describe a whole person's appearance, whereas 目つき (metsuki) specifically points to the impression conveyed by the eyes, such as a stern or gentle one.

Word lists with this word