目先

• Reading: めさき
• Romaji: mesaki
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (me) — eye; 先 (saki) — ahead, tip, future
• Pronunciation: /me.sa.ki/

Meaning

Before one's eyes; the immediate present. Also refers to a short-sighted or superficial perspective.

A noun that can refer to what is literally right in front of someone, or more commonly, the immediate future or short-term concerns. Often used in a somewhat negative sense to criticise focusing only on immediate gains (目先の利益). The antithesis of long-term thinking (長い目で見る). 目先を変える means to try a fresh approach.

Examples

1. 目先の利益にとらわれてはいけない。 You shouldn't get caught up in short-term gains.
2. 彼は目先のことしか考えていない。 He only thinks about what's right in front of him.
3. 目先を変えて新しいメニューを試してみよう。 Let's try a fresh approach and test out some new menu items.

Usage Guide

Context: business, life advice, criticism, planning

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

From 目 (me, eye) + 先 (saki, ahead/tip). Literally 'ahead of one's eyes,' meaning what is directly in front or immediately forthcoming.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal