GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜めく
Indicates that the atmosphere or quality expressed by a noun becomes outwardly apparent or gradually more pronounced.
Examples
日差しが少しずつ春めいて、町の空気も柔らかくなった。
As the sunlight gradually took on the warmth of spring, the air around town softened as well.
Words used
秋めいた風が窓から入ってきた。
A breeze with a touch of fall came in through the window.
Words used
朝晩の風が急に秋めいてきた。
The morning and evening breezes have suddenly begun to feel like fall.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
めくto a noun to describe signs of the atmosphere or quality associated with it. - Basic usage:
秋めいた風が窓から入ってきた。means that a breeze with a touch of autumn came in through the window.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Verb-like inflection
- The te-form of
春めくis春めいて, and its ta-form is春めいた. The ta-form can modify a noun to describe a quality already apparent, as in秋めいた風.
- The te-form of
- Focus compared with らしい
秋らしい風describes a breeze typical of autumn.秋めいてきたhighlights a change in which signs of autumn have begun to emerge.