凝視する

• Reading: ぎょうしする
• Romaji: gyōshi suru
• Kanji breakdown: 凝 (gyō) — to congeal, concentrate, fixate; 視 (shi) — to look, see, regard
• Pronunciation: /ɡʲoː.ɕi.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stare at; to gaze intently; to fix one's eyes on. Implies focused, sustained looking without blinking.

A する verb (Group 3). More intense than 見つめる — conveys unwavering, almost piercing eye contact or focus. Often used in literature and dramatic descriptions. Can suggest suspicion, fascination, or deep concentration.

Examples

1. 彼は目の前の絵画を凝視していた。 He was staring intently at the painting in front of him.
2. 刑事は容疑者の顔を凝視して嘘を見破ろうとした。 The detective stared at the suspect's face, trying to catch him in a lie.
3. 暗闇の中で何かを凝視しているような猫の目が光った。 A cat's eyes glowed in the dark, as if fixed on something.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, observation, suspense

Tone: intense

Origin & History

From Chinese 凝視. 凝 means 'to congeal/concentrate' and 視 means 'to look/see.' Together: to concentrate one's gaze, staring without wavering.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal