注目

• Reading: ちゅうもく
• Romaji: chuumoku
• Kanji breakdown: 注 (chuu) — pour, focus; 目 (moku/me) — eye
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.mo.kɯ/

Meaning

Attention; notice; spotlight. Focusing one's gaze or awareness on something noteworthy.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (注目する). Used for drawing attention (注目を集める, to attract attention), paying close attention (注目して見る, to watch closely), and describing something noteworthy (注目すべき, noteworthy). Very common in news and media: 注目の的 (centre of attention). Combines the concepts of 'pouring' focus and 'eye.'

Examples

1. 彼の発言が世界中から注目を集めている。 His remarks are attracting attention from around the world.
2. 注目すべきポイントを三つ紹介します。 I'll introduce three noteworthy points.
3. 新しい選手の活躍に注目している。 I'm paying attention to the new player's performance.

Usage Guide

Context: news, sports, daily life

Tone: interested

Origin & History

Compound of 注 (chuu, to pour/focus) and 目 (moku, eye). Together, 'to pour one's eyes onto' — directing focused visual and mental attention toward something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal