Meaning and Usage
"人目" (ひとめ) refers to the attention or gaze of other people, often implying concern about being seen or judged by others. It is commonly used when someone is conscious of public observation or social scrutiny.
Common Contexts
People use "人目" when talking about avoiding or attracting attention, such as avoiding flashy clothing to not stand out or meeting secretly to avoid being noticed.
Collocations and Patterns
- 人目を気にする: to care about others' gaze or public opinion.
- 人目を忍ぶ: to hide from public view, often used for secret meetings or actions.
- 人目につく: to be noticeable or visible to others.
Register and Nuance
This word is neutral but often appears in formal or written contexts. It conveys a subtle social pressure or awareness of others' opinions.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "人目" with just "目" (eye) or "視線" (gaze). Remember, "人目" specifically emphasizes the social aspect of being seen by others, not just the physical act of looking.