一目惚れ

• Reading: ひとめぼれ
• Romaji: hitomebore
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (hito) — one; 目 (me) — eye, glance; 惚 (bo) — fall in love, be charmed
• Pronunciation: /çi.to.me.bo.ɾe/

Meaning

Love at first sight. Falling in love the moment you see someone for the first time.

A noun and suru-verb (自動詞) describing the experience of instantly falling in love upon first seeing someone. A warm, romantic word that can also be used lightheartedly for objects or places one is immediately captivated by. The structure is 一目 (hitome, one glance) + 惚れ (bore, falling in love). Also the name of a famous rice brand.

Examples

1. 妻とは一目惚れで付き合い始めた。 My wife and I started dating after I fell in love with her at first sight.
2. あの景色に一目惚れして移住を決めた。 I fell in love with that scenery at first sight and decided to move there.
3. 一目惚れした靴を思い切って買った。 I took the plunge and bought the shoes I had fallen in love with at first sight.

Usage Guide

Context: romance, daily life, shopping

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Japanese: 一目 (hitome, one glance) + 惚れる (horeru, to fall in love). Literally 'falling in love at one glance.' A native Japanese compound expressing an instant romantic connection.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal