Entry
まじまじ
majimaji
This word describes the action of staring at something fixedly and intently, often out of deep curiosity or surprise.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes an intense, focused gaze where one looks at something without looking away. It is typically used when closely observing a face or object to confirm details, or when staring in disbelief.
- Staring fixedly
- Observing closely
Sense Map
Careful observation
Looking at something intently to observe its details.
まじまじと顔を見る
Staring in surprise
Looking fixedly at someone or something out of disbelief or wonder.
まじまじと見つめ返す
Usage Note
How to Use
まじまじと見る
まじまじと見つめる
How to Use
Common Phrases
まじまじと見る
to stare fixedly at
まじまじと見つめる
to gaze intently at
顔をまじまじと見る
to stare intently at someone's face
まじまじと観察する
to observe closely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Surprise or realization | neutral | Used when staring fixedly at someone or something after noticing an unexpected detail. |
| Close inspection | neutral | Used when examining a person or object carefully to confirm its features. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じっと じっと / similar | When maintaining a state without moving, including looking, listening, or staying perfectly still. | While jitto applies to physical stillness and various senses, majimaji specifically focuses on the intensity and deep focus of a visual gaze. | じっと見つめる |
じろじろ じろじろ / similar | When staring at someone up and down in a rude, suspicious, or scrutinizing manner. | Majimaji implies deep interest, surprise, or careful observation, whereas jirojiro implies rude or invasive scrutiny. | じろじろ見る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to mean physically standing still.
Majimaji is exclusively used for the action of looking or staring, not for physical stillness.
Assuming it always implies a rude glare.
Unlike jirojiro, majimaji is not inherently rude; it simply describes a deep, focused gaze driven by curiosity or surprise.
Examples
Examples
彼は驚いて、私の顔をまじまじと見た。
かれはおどろいて、わたしのかおをまじまじとみた。
He was surprised and stared fixedly at my face.
VisualFocuses on the stare triggered by surprise.
古い写真をまじまじと見つめた。
ふるいしゃしんをまじまじとみつめた。
I gazed intently at the old photograph.
VisualUsed when observing an object closely.
鏡に映る自分の姿をまじまじと観察した。
かがみにうつるじぶんのすがたをまじまじとかんさつした。
I closely observed my own reflection in the mirror.
VisualEmphasizes the act of checking or inspecting something closely.
彼女は不思議そうに彼をまじまじと見つめ返した。
かのじょはふしぎそうにかれをまじまじとみつめかえした。
She stared back at him intently with a puzzled look.
VisualFocuses on the high-intensity interaction between two people.
その奇妙な虫をまじまじと見てしまった。
そのきみょうなむしをまじまじとみてしまった。
I ended up staring unblinkingly at that strange bug.
VisualSometimes used when curiosity overcomes fear or hesitation.
Similar Words
じっと
jitto
Jitto (じっと) means keeping the body completely still, fixing one's attention unblinkingly on something, or patiently enduring a situation without reacting. Focuses on remaining motionless, applicable to all senses.
じろじろ
jirojiro
To stare at someone or something fixedly and scrutinizingly, often in a rude or intrusive manner. Means to stare in a rude or suspicious manner.
Questions
Can I use majimaji for listening intently?
No, this word is exclusively used for visual actions like looking or staring.
Is it rude to look at someone majimaji?
Staring fixedly at strangers can make them uncomfortable, but the word itself describes the intensity of the gaze rather than implying rudeness like jirojiro does.
Do I always need to add the particle to?
Yes, in modern Japanese, it is almost entirely used as majimaji to right before a verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2261260
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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