お目にかかる

• Reading: おめにかかる
• Romaji: ome ni kakaru
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (me) — eye, sight
• Pronunciation: /o.me.ni.ka.ka.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To meet; to see someone. A humble expression used when meeting someone of higher status.

A Group 1 (godan) humble expression (謙譲語, kenjōgo) that is the polite equivalent of 会う (to meet). Used to lower oneself when meeting someone of higher status — a client, a senior, or a respected person. Literally 'to come into someone's honorable sight.' Commonly appears as お目にかかれて光栄です (it is an honour to meet you).

Examples

1. 社長にお目にかかれて光栄です。 It is an honor to meet you, Mr. President.
2. いつかお目にかかりたいと思っていました。 I had been hoping to meet you someday.
3. 先日お目にかかった件でお電話しました。 I'm calling regarding the matter we discussed when we last met.

Usage Guide

Context: business, formal greetings, keigo

Tone: humble

Origin & History

Composed of the honorific お, 目 (me, eye), に (particle), and かかる (to be caught/hang). Literally 'to catch upon someone's honourable eye' — humbly placing oneself within the other's field of vision.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional/Formal