目上
의미: A social superior — someone older, higher-ranking, or more experienced whom you should speak to with respect.
目上 defines one side of the fundamental Japanese social hierarchy that governs language choices (keigo), seating arrangements, and interaction patterns. Knowing who is 目上 determines whether you use casual or polite speech, who pours drinks first, and who enters the elevator first. The concept remains strong in workplaces and traditional settings but is loosening among younger generations.
예문
- 目上の人には敬語を使うのが常識だよ。 对长辈使用敬语是基本常识。Usar el lenguaje formal con los superiores es de sentido común.윗사람한테는 존댓말을 쓰는 게 상식이야.
- 目上に対してタメ口はさすがにまずいでしょ。 对上级说随便话也太不像话了吧。Hablarle a un superior con lenguaje informal es claramente inapropiado.윗사람한테 반말은 아무리 그래도 좀 그렇지.
- 目上でも話しやすい人っているよね、そういう人って尊敬する。 有些长辈特别好相处，这样的人真让人敬佩。Hay superiores con los que es fácil hablar; esa clase de persona me inspira respeto.윗사람인데도 말 걸기 편한 분이 있잖아, 그런 사람 존경해.
발음
/me.ɯ.e/
사용 가이드
맥락: workplace, school, social etiquette, keigo usage
어조: respectful, hierarchical
✓ 올바른 표현
- 目上の人には席を譲るのがマナーだよ (It's good manners to give up your seat for superiors)给长辈让座是基本礼仪（主动给上级让座是应有的礼貌）目上の人には席を譲るのがマナーだよ (Es de buena educación ceder el asiento a los superiores)目上の人には席を譲るのがマナーだよ (윗사람에게는 자리를 양보하는 게 예의야)
- 目上だからって偉そうにするのは違うと思う (I don't think being a superior gives you the right to act arrogant)我觉得不能仗着自己是前辈就摆架子（我认为身为上级并不意味着可以趾高气扬）目上だからって偉そうにするのは違うと思う (No creo que ser un superior te dé derecho a comportarte con arrogancia)目上だからって偉そうにするのは違うと思う (윗사람이라고 거들먹거리는 건 아니라고 생각해)
✗ 잘못된 표현
- 初対面の人に「あなたは目上ですか」と聞くのは不自然 (Asking someone 'are you my social superior?' directly is awkward — it should be inferred from context)初次见面就问人家「你是我的长辈吗」很不自然——应该从上下文自行判断初対面の人に「あなたは目上ですか」と聞くのは不自然 (Preguntarle directamente a alguien «¿es usted mi superior?» resulta extraño — debería deducirse del contexto)처음 만난 사람에게 '윗사람이세요?'라고 직접 물어보는 것은 부자연스럽다 — 맥락으로 파악해야 한다
흔한 실수
- Ignoring 目上/目下 dynamics in Japanese workplace settings — it fundamentally affects expected behavior and language
- Assuming 目上 is only about age — seniority, position, and experience all factor in
기원과 역사
From 目 (eye/gaze) + 上 (above) — someone you literally look up to. Reflects the vertical social structure (縦社会) central to Japanese organisations and relationships.
문화적 배경
Era: Classical hierarchy concept, still strongly observed
Generation: All ages (loosening among younger generations)
Social background: Universal, especially workplace
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Essential for understanding Japanese social hierarchy and proper keigo usage.
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