Japanese word

目上

Pronunciation

Romajimeue

Meaning

  • nounsenior

Example

目上の人には丁寧に話します。me ue no hito ni wa tei nei ni hana shi ma su

I speak politely to my seniors.

Illustration for 目上 (senior)

More examples

目上の人から助言を受けたら、素直に耳を傾けます。me ue no hito ka ra jo gen o u ke ta ra su nao ni mimi o katamu ke ma su

When I receive advice from a senior, I listen with an open mind.

Core concept

Marks a person viewed as above the speaker in age, rank, or social standing, often within a relationship governed by politeness.

Common phrases

  • 目上の方me ue no hō

    one's senior

Similar words

年長者nenchōsha: A person older than the speaker, without necessarily holding higher rank or status.
上位者jōisha: A person holding a higher rank or position in a group or organization.
上役uwayaku: A person in a higher position who has authority within an organization or workplace.
先輩senpai: A person who entered a school, workplace, or group before another member.

Definition in Japanese

年齢・地位・立場などが自分より上の人。nen rei chi i tachi ba na do ga ji bun yo ri ue no hito

Word origin

The native Japanese compound 目上 (meue) uses 目 (me, "one's place in relation to others") and 上 (ue, "upper or above") to denote someone above oneself in standing.

Usage tips

  • In near-native usage, 目上 (meue) refers to relative social standing, so age alone does not determine whether a person is 目上 (meue).

Other meanings

  • superiornoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word