弥次馬

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 弥次馬, read as the conventional whole word やじうま, is a single noun for a person drawn to watch a disturbance.
• Basic usage: It denotes people gathering to watch a disturbance that does not concern them directly, as in 騒ぎに弥次馬が集まる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Tone and register
  • It is more critical than neutral 見物人, suggesting curiosity about someone else's trouble.