Translation guide
How to express the idea of drawing notice or interest in Japanese, from neutral descriptions to idiomatic phrases.
To cause people to look at or pay attention to someone or something, often intentionally.
A common, neutral way to say something attracts attention or draws public interest.
彼の新しい発明は世界中の注目を集めた。
His new invention attracted worldwide attention.
To actively try to get attention, sometimes with a negative connotation of showing off.
Means 'to try to bask in the spotlight' or seek attention, often used critically.
彼はいつも注目を浴びようとしている。
He's always trying to attract attention.
To draw notice in a negative way, such as suspicion or criticism.
Passive form meaning 'to have suspicion directed at one', i.e., attract suspicion.
彼の行動は疑いの目を向けられた。
His behavior attracted suspicious attention.
注目 (chūmoku) is about public attention or interest, while 注意 (chūi) is more about caution, warning, or careful notice. 注意を引く means to catch someone's alertness, not necessarily admiration.
注意を引くために大声で叫んだ。
He shouted loudly to attract attention (to warn them).
English 'attract attention' can often be translated directly, but in casual speech, simpler verbs like 目立つ or 気を引く are more natural. Avoid forcing 注目を集める in every context.
Literally 'pull attention', used when something catches someone's eye or makes them notice.
その看板は色が鮮やかで注意を引く。
That sign attracts attention with its bright colors.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to stand out' or 'be conspicuous'. Often used for appearance or behavior.
彼女はパーティーでとても目立っていた。
She really stood out at the party.
Specifically means to attract people's gaze or attention, often used for appearance or fashion.
そのドレスは人目を引くデザインだ。
That dress has an eye-catching design.
More about gathering interest or curiosity, often used in media or academic contexts.
その研究は多くの科学者の関心を集めた。
The research attracted the interest of many scientists.
A verb meaning 'to want to stand out' or 'be an attention-seeker'. Casual.
あの子は目立ちたがり屋だね。
That kid is such an attention-seeker, huh.
Often used for trying to get someone's romantic or personal attention, or to ingratiate oneself.
彼女は彼の気を引こうとしている。
She's trying to get his attention.
Loanword from English 'appeal', meaning to promote oneself or make an impression, often in job hunting or social media.
就活で自分をアピールするのは難しい。
It's hard to sell yourself during job hunting.
To incur resentment or provoke negative reactions, literally 'buy ill will'.
その発言は多くの反感を買った。
That remark attracted a lot of negative attention.
To be singled out or marked by someone (often authority figures), meaning to attract their (usually negative) attention.
先生に目をつけられちゃった。
I've attracted the teacher's attention (in a bad way).