The character “目” (me) symbolizes the importance of seeing. As one of the commonly used kanji in Japan, “目” (me) is deeply rooted in our daily lives and is used in both literal and figurative contexts. This article delves into the origin of “目” (me), its meaning, usage, readings, stroke count, and radical. It also explores idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and phrases that use “目” (me), showcasing the rich expressiveness and impact of this kanji.
The Origin of “目” (me)
The kanji “目” (me) is a pictogram that represents the shape of an eye as seen from the side, originating in ancient China. One theory suggests that the dot in the center symbolizes the pupil, representing both the function and shape of the eye. Over time, this pictogram was simplified to its current form.
The Meaning and Usage of “目” (me)
The direct meaning of “目” (me) refers to the “eyeball” or the “organ responsible for vision.” Figuratively, it expresses various concepts related to vision, such as “observing,” “seeing,” “appearance,” and “viewpoint.” It is also used to indicate goals or objectives, as seen in words like “目標” (mokuhyou) and “目的” (mokuteki).
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of “目” (me)
The kanji “目” (me) has a wide range of readings in Japanese.
- Readings: In on’yomi (音読み), it is read as “モク” (moku) or “ボク” (boku). In kun’yomi (訓読み), it is read as “め” (me) or “ま” (ma).
- Stroke Count: “目” (me) consists of 5 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is 目 (me), and kanji containing this radical are categorized under it.
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using “目” (me) and Their Meanings
There are numerous idioms, phrases, and proverbs in Japanese that use “目” (me). For example, “目に見える” (me ni mieru) means something is obvious, “目を通す” (me o toosu) means to check the contents, and “目が高い” (me ga takai) means having a discerning eye for quality or value. In proverbs, “目から鼻へ抜ける” (me kara hana e nukeru) means being very clever, and “目には目を” (me ni wa me o) suggests retaliation in kind.
Summary of “目” (me)
The kanji “目” (me) encompasses many elements closely related to our lives, from its shape to its meaning and usage. From basic functions related to vision to abstract concepts like goals and objectives, the expressive range of this single character is immense. Idioms, phrases, and proverbs using “目” (me) in Japanese reflect its rich meanings and shape our thoughts and culture through language.
