Signification
To have a keen eye for quality or value.
Contexte culturel
In high-end Japanese department stores (Depachika), staff are trained to use this phrase to validate the customer's ego and taste, encouraging a purchase. Using this phrase for a superior can be a form of 'Goma-suri' (flattery/brown-nosing), but when used sincerely, it acknowledges their experience. The concept of 'Mekiki' (the person with the eye) is central to tea ceremonies, where the value of a bowl is determined by the 'eyes' of the masters. On Japanese Instagram, you'll see the hashtag #お目が高い when people post unique fashion finds or aesthetic cafe photos.
The 'Suga' Combo
Combine it with 'Sasuga' (As expected) for maximum impact: 'Sasuga, me ga takai desu ne!'
Don't use for yourself
It's like calling yourself a genius. Let others say it about you.
Signification
To have a keen eye for quality or value.
The 'Suga' Combo
Combine it with 'Sasuga' (As expected) for maximum impact: 'Sasuga, me ga takai desu ne!'
Don't use for yourself
It's like calling yourself a genius. Let others say it about you.
Shopkeeper Talk
If a shopkeeper says this to you, they are trying to close the sale. Take it as a compliment, but stay focused!
Teste-toi
Choose the most natural response when a friend shows you a beautiful, rare book they found.
友達：『この本、100円で見つけたんだ！』 あなた：『（ ）ね！』
'Me ga takai' is the correct idiom for recognizing value.
Fill in the particle to complete the noun-modifying phrase.
目（ ）高いバイヤーが、その商品を買い占めた。
When 'me ga takai' modifies a noun (buyer), 'ga' often changes to 'no'.
In which situation is it INAPPROPRIATE to use 'Me ga takai'?
Select the wrong context:
You should not use this idiom for yourself as it sounds boastful.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: この絵、実は有名な画家の初期の作品なんです。 B: さすが、店長は（ ）ですね。
The present polite form is most natural for a general compliment.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices友達：『この本、100円で見つけたんだ！』 あなた：『（ ）ね！』
'Me ga takai' is the correct idiom for recognizing value.
目（ ）高いバイヤーが、その商品を買い占めた。
When 'me ga takai' modifies a noun (buyer), 'ga' often changes to 'no'.
Select the wrong context:
You should not use this idiom for yourself as it sounds boastful.
A: この絵、実は有名な画家の初期の作品なんです。 B: さすが、店長は（ ）ですね。
The present polite form is most natural for a general compliment.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes! You can use it to say someone has a 'keen eye' for talent or for choosing a good partner.
No, it's not rude, but it might feel a bit too 'evaluative'. It's better to use it for peers or customers.
There isn't a direct 'Me ga hikui' (low eyes). Instead, you'd say 'Me ga nai' (no eyes/no taste) or 'Sensus ga nai' (no sense).
No, it refers to the 'height' of one's standards or perspective.
Expressions liées
{目|め}が{肥|こ}える
similarTo have one's taste refined by seeing many high-quality things.
{目利|めき}き
specialized formA person who is an expert at judging the quality of things.
{目|め}がない
contrastTo be extremely fond of something (to the point of losing judgment).
{目|め}を{付|つ}ける
builds onTo have an eye on something/someone.
