also: めはちぶ
noun
below eye level
Used when something is positioned lower than one's line of sight. Often appears in contexts like pouring drinks or adjusting height.
お酌をするときは、目八分に注ぐのが礼儀だ。
When pouring sake, it is polite to pour to just below eye level.
noun
about eight-tenths full
Describes a container filled to roughly 80% capacity. Commonly used for drinks, especially in traditional settings.
Please pour the beer to about eight-tenths full in the glass.
Compound of 目 (eye) and 八分 (eight-tenths). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely originated from the practice of pouring drinks to a level just below the eye, or filling a container to about 80%.