目光

• Pinyin: mù guāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 目 = pictograph of an eye; 光 = 火 (fire) + 儿, light or brightness

Meaning

Gaze; sight; vision. The light in one's eyes or one's perspective.

Can refer to literal eye contact or gaze, or metaphorically to one's vision, perspective, or foresight. Common expressions include 目光短浅 (shortsighted), 目光长远 (farsighted), and 吸引目光 (attract attention).

Examples

1. 她的目光一直追随着那个男孩，看起来很喜欢他。 Her gaze kept following that boy; she seems to really like him.
2. 做事不能只看眼前，要有长远的目光。 When doing things, you can't just look at the present; you need a long-term vision.
3. 全场观众的目光都聚焦在舞台上。 The entire audience's gaze was focused on the stage.

Usage Guide

Context: observation, perspective, attention

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他的目光很坚定，充满了自信。(His gaze is very firm, full of confidence.)
• 投资需要有长远的目光。(Investing requires long-term vision.)

Don't Say

• 我的目光看不见了。(For eyesight problems, use 视力 or 眼睛 — 目光 is about gaze or perspective, not visual ability)

Origin & History

目 (mù, eye) + 光 (guāng, light). The light or expression of the eyes; one's gaze.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal