余所見

よそみ

looking away, looking aside

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning of

literally means 'looking aside' or 'looking away.' It describes the action of diverting one's gaze from the main focus.

Usage

This phrase is often used to describe avoiding direct eye contact or attention, sometimes implying hesitation, distraction, or discomfort.

Common Contexts

  • Avoiding awkward situations by looking aside.
  • Showing hesitation or uncertainty.

Collocations

  • 语 (look aside without speaking): implies reluctance to respond.

Tips

This phrase is more literary or formal and less common in everyday speech, but useful in describing subtle social behaviors.

Example Sentences

He looked aside and did not answer the question directly.

When looking aside, he seemed to be thinking about something else.

She looked away to avoid awkward eye contact.