目撃

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 目撃, read もくげき, is a noun that combines with する for personally witnessing an event or scene.
• Basic usage: The witnessed target appears in 事故を目撃する, and the witness can be described as 目撃した人.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Direct visual experience
  • 目撃 centers on actually seeing the event or moment, not hearing about it or learning of it afterward.
• Noun and verb use
  • It can name the act as a noun or form the verb 目撃する, with the witnessed target marked by を.