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色目 (いろめ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

色いろ目め

い

ろ

め

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

noun

amorous glance; flirtatious look

A look that signals romantic or sexual interest. Often used in the phrase 色目を使う (to make eyes at someone).

彼かの女じょは彼かれに色いろ目めを使つかった。
She gave him an amorous glance.

2

noun

shade of color; tint; hue

Refers to a subtle variation or nuance of a color. Less common than 色合い (いろあい) in everyday speech.

Kanji

色color
目eye, class, look

Similar words

色いろ合あい
色合い is the more common word for 'shade of color' or 'hue' in modern Japanese. 色目 is less frequent and can sound slightly literary or technical.
秋しゅう波は
秋波 is a more literary term for an amorous glance, often used in set phrases like 秋波を送る. 色目 is more colloquial.

Etymology

Compound of 色 (color, also erotic love) and 目 (eye). The 'amorous glance' sense derives from the idea of 'colorful eyes' expressing romantic interest. The 'shade of color' sense is a straightforward combination of the kanji meanings.

この絵えの具ぐは色いろ目めがきれいだ。

This paint has a beautiful shade.

3

noun

ingratiating behavior; sycophancy

Used in the idiom 色目を使う (sense 2) meaning to curry favor or flatter someone for personal gain. Not used as a standalone noun for this meaning.

See also: 色目を使う

彼かれは上じょう司しに色いろ目めを使つかって昇しょう進しんを狙ねらっている。
He is trying to get a promotion by ingratiating himself with his boss.