Meaning
To have discerning taste or refined judgment in choosing things.
Cultural Background
In Korea, having a 'high eye' is often linked to 'In-mun-hak' (humanities) education. It's believed that reading and learning raise your discernment. Korean CEOs often emphasize '안목' when talking about future technologies or hiring. It's seen as a leadership trait. On platforms like Instagram, '#안목' is a popular tag for curated lifestyle content, showing off one's taste. When receiving a gift, saying '안목이 높으시네요' is a very polite way to thank the giver by praising their taste.
The Compliment Hack
If you don't know what to say about someone's expensive-looking item, just say '안목이 높으시네요.' It's always safe and polite.
Self-Praise
Never say '제 안목이 높아요' (My eye is high). It sounds like you're calling yourself a genius of taste. Use '제 취향이에요' (It's my taste) instead.
Meaning
To have discerning taste or refined judgment in choosing things.
The Compliment Hack
If you don't know what to say about someone's expensive-looking item, just say '안목이 높으시네요.' It's always safe and polite.
Self-Praise
Never say '제 안목이 높아요' (My eye is high). It sounds like you're calling yourself a genius of taste. Use '제 취향이에요' (It's my taste) instead.
Professional Use
In a resume or interview, use '안목을 갖추다' (to possess discernment) to sound more professional than just '높다'.
Hanja Power
Knowing that '안목' comes from 'Eye' will help you remember other words like '안경' (glasses) and '목표' (goal/target).
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase to compliment a friend's new, stylish watch.
와, 시계 진짜 멋지다! 너 정말 ( )구나.
'안목이 높다' is the standard compliment for good taste. '눈이 높다' can sound like they are just picky.
Fill in the blank with the correct Hanja-based word.
그 감독은 배우를 알아보는 ( )이/가 높기로 유명하다.
The word for discernment/eye for quality is {안목|眼目}.
Match the situation to the correct nuance of '안목이 높다'.
Situations: 1. Hiring a genius. 2. Buying a masterpiece. 3. Choosing a great partner.
The phrase covers all three types of discernment.
Complete the dialogue using the honorific form.
A: 이 그림 어떠세요? 제가 직접 골랐습니다. B: 정말 ( ).
When speaking to someone who 'directly chose' something (implying they might be older or in a formal setting), the honorific '-으시-' is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
안목이 높다 vs 눈이 높다
Where to use 안목이 높다
Fashion
- • Clothes
- • Bags
- • Style
People
- • Talent
- • Friends
- • Partners
Art
- • Paintings
- • Movies
- • Music
Practice Bank
4 exercises와, 시계 진짜 멋지다! 너 정말 ( )구나.
'안목이 높다' is the standard compliment for good taste. '눈이 높다' can sound like they are just picky.
그 감독은 배우를 알아보는 ( )이/가 높기로 유명하다.
The word for discernment/eye for quality is {안목|眼目}.
Situations: 1. Hiring a genius. 2. Buying a masterpiece. 3. Choosing a great partner.
The phrase covers all three types of discernment.
A: 이 그림 어떠세요? 제가 직접 골랐습니다. B: 정말 ( ).
When speaking to someone who 'directly chose' something (implying they might be older or in a formal setting), the honorific '-으시-' is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say '미식가' (gourmet) or '입맛이 까다롭다' (picky palate). However, '식재료를 고르는 안목' (eye for choosing ingredients) is very natural.
Yes! It is a very respectful compliment. Just remember to use the honorific: '안목이 높으십니다.'
'취향' is personal preference (I like blue), while '안목' is the ability to judge quality (I can tell this is a high-quality blue silk).
Technically yes, but it's quite rude. It means someone has poor taste or bad judgment.
Almost. '보는 눈이 있다' is more common for 'having an eye,' while '눈이 높다' usually means 'picky.' Be careful!
You can say '안목을 키우고 싶어요' or '안목을 높이고 싶어요.'
Often! Fans praise agencies for their '안목' in picking talented idols.
Yes, for a scout or coach who has an 'eye' for talented players.
Not at all. It's used by all ages, though younger people might use '보는 눈' more often in casual talk.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but you could say '안목이 없다' (to have no eye/discernment).
Related Phrases
보는 눈이 있다
similarTo have a seeing eye
눈이 높다
contrastTo have high standards / To be picky
심미안이 있다
specialized formTo have an aesthetic eye
식견이 넓다
builds onTo have broad knowledge/discernment
안목을 넓히다
builds onTo broaden one's discernment
