目上（めうえ、meue）
- superior

The Japanese word 目上 (めうえ) refers to someone who is of higher status, senior, or superior to you. This can be in terms of age, position in a company, experience, or social standing. It implies respect and a certain level of formality in interaction. The concept of 目上 is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, influencing communication styles and behavior. It is essential for navigating social situations appropriately.

⚫︎目上の人には敬語で話します。 Translation: I speak in polite language to [目上] people. ⚫︎彼は会社の目上の方々との関係を大切にしています。 Translation: He values his relationships with the senior members of the company.

You use 目上 when referring to or addressing someone you consider to be your senior, superior, or someone deserving of respect. This often includes: ⚫︎ Older people, even if they're not in a position of authority. ⚫︎ Superiors in the workplace (bosses, managers, etc.). ⚫︎ Teachers and professors. ⚫︎ Customers (in customer service settings). ⚫︎ People with more experience than you in a particular field. When interacting with a 目上 person, it’s crucial to use polite language (敬語 - けいご) and show deference.

目上 is typically written in kanji as 目上 and read as めうえ in hiragana. There are no other ways to write this word. The okurigana is fixed.

⚫︎ 上司 (じょうし): Supervisor, boss. ⚫︎ 先輩 (せんぱい): Senior (at school, work, etc.). ⚫︎ 年長者 (としうえのひと): Elder, senior person. ⚫︎ 上の方 (うえのほう): Someone of higher status.

⚫︎ 目下 (めした): Someone of lower status, junior. ⚫︎ 後輩 (こうはい): Junior (at school, work, etc.).

[目上］の方々への言葉遣いには注意が必要です。 ・Translation: It is necessary to be careful with the way you speak to people who are [目上]. ・Explanation: This sentence emphasizes the importance of using appropriate language when addressing seniors.

彼は[目上]の人の意見をよく聞き、尊重しています。 ・Translation: He listens to and respects the opinions of [目上] people. ・Explanation: This sentence shows the positive aspect of respecting [目上].

The word 目上 is composed of two kanji: 目 (め), meaning "eye" or "look," and 上 (うえ), meaning "above" or "top." The combined meaning signifies someone who is above you in status, someone you look up to.