目上

• Reading: めうえ
• Romaji: meue
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (eye) + 上 (above/upper) → someone above one's eye level, a social superior
• Pronunciation: /me.ɯ.e/

Meaning

A social superior — someone older, higher-ranking, or more experienced whom you should speak to with respect.

目上 defines one side of the fundamental Japanese social hierarchy that governs language choices (keigo), seating arrangements, and interaction patterns. Knowing who is 目上 determines whether you use casual or polite speech, who pours drinks first, and who enters the elevator first. The concept remains strong in workplaces and traditional settings but is loosening among younger generations.

Examples

1. 目上の人には敬語を使うのが常識だよ。 It's common sense to use polite language with your superiors.
2. 目上に対してタメ口はさすがにまずいでしょ。 Using casual speech with a superior is seriously not okay.
3. 目上でも話しやすい人っているよね、そういう人って尊敬する。 Some superiors are really easy to talk to — I respect people like that.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, school, social etiquette, keigo usage

Tone: respectful, hierarchical

Do Say

• 目上の人には席を譲るのがマナーだよ (It's good manners to give up your seat for superiors)
• 目上だからって偉そうにするのは違うと思う (I don't think being a superior gives you the right to act arrogant)

Don't Say

• 初対面の人に「あなたは目上ですか」と聞くのは不自然 (Asking someone 'are you my social superior?' directly is awkward — it should be inferred from context)

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring 目上/目下 dynamics in Japanese workplace settings — it fundamentally affects expected behavior and language
• Assuming 目上 is only about age — seniority, position, and experience all factor in

Origin & History

From 目 (eye/gaze) + 上 (above) — someone you literally look up to. Reflects the vertical social structure (縦社会) central to Japanese organisations and relationships.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical hierarchy concept, still strongly observed

Generation: All ages (loosening among younger generations)

Social background: Universal, especially workplace

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Essential for understanding Japanese social hierarchy and proper keigo usage.