見つめる

• Reading: みつめる
• Romaji: mitsumeru
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (mi/ken) — to look, see
• Pronunciation: /mi.tsɯ.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stare at; to gaze at intently; to fix one's eyes on. Implies focused, sustained looking.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Stronger and more deliberate than 見る (to look). Often used in emotional or romantic contexts, but also for serious contemplation. Can be used figuratively as in 'staring at a problem' or 'facing reality.'

Examples

1. 彼女は窓の外をじっと見つめていた。 She was gazing intently out the window.
2. 自分の将来を見つめ直す時間が必要だ。 I need time to take a hard look at my future.
3. 赤ちゃんが不思議そうに私の顔を見つめた。 The baby stared at my face with a look of wonder.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, romance, self-reflection

Tone: contemplative

Origin & History

Compound of 見 (to look) and つめる (to pack/press closely), conveying the sense of pressing one's gaze firmly onto something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal