Japanese word

目先

Pronunciation

Romajimesaki

Meaning

  • nounimmediate concern

Example

目先のことだけを考えています。me saki no ko to da ke o kanga e te i ma su

I am thinking only about immediate concerns.

Illustration for 目先 (immediate concern)

More examples

目先の利益にとらわれると、将来の計画を見失います。me saki no ri eki ni to ra wa re ru to shō rai no kei kaku o mi ushina i ma su

If you focus too much on immediate profits, you will lose sight of your future plans.

Core concept

Centers on what is immediately in front of a person in time, attention, or practical concern.

Common phrases

  • 目先の利益me saki no ri eki

    immediate profits

  • 目先にとらわれるme saki ni to ra wa re ru

    be caught up in immediate concerns

Similar words

目の前menomae: The immediate situation or task confronting someone.
当面tōmen: The present situation or period being dealt with for now.
足元ashimoto: The current situation or position close at hand.

Definition in Japanese

今すぐ関わる事柄や、すぐ近くに迫った時期。ima su gu kaka wa ru koto gara ya su gu chika ku ni sema tta ji ki

Word origin

目先 (mesaki) combines 目 (me, "eye") and 先 (saki, "ahead"), describing what lies just ahead of the eyes.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 目先の利益 (mesaki no rieki) means short-term profit and often contrasts with gains that require long-term planning.

Other meanings

  • near futurenoun
  • before one's eyesnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word