Japanese grammar
What does ～めく mean? Japanese grammar N1
～めく means show signs of; take on the tone/air of.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + めく |
| Romaji | meku |
| Meaning | show signs of; take on the tone/air of |
Forming it
| Connection | N + めく |
|---|
How to use it
Attaches to a noun to say "giving off an air of N", "starting to take on N". Only usable with a limited set of nouns.
- 「N＋めく」 = carrying a hint of N, not quite N yet. 「春めく」 (the weather is turning springlike), 「皮肉めく」 (tinged with sarcasm), 「謎めく」 (shrouded in mystery).
- Conjugates like a godan verb: 「めく → めいた／めいて／めいている」. When modifying a noun, it is almost always in the た form: 「皮肉めいた言い方」 (a sarcastic-sounding way of speaking).
- The nouns it can combine with are VERY limited (春 spring, 秋 autumn, 皮肉 sarcasm, 謎 mystery, 冗談 joke, 古 old). Don't combine it freely — memorize each word you encounter.
Examples
風が春めいてきた。
The wind has begun to feel springlike.
彼は皮肉めいた笑い方をした。
He gave a sarcastic-looking smile.
Keep in mind
- Attaches DIRECTLY to a noun: 「春めく」, not 「春にめく」.
- To modify a noun, use 「めいた」, not 「めくの」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong春にめいてきた。
Correct春めいてきた。
The noun attaches directly to めく, without adding に.
Exam tips
- 「N＋めく」 = giving off an air of N; attaches directly, and modifies a noun using 「めいた」.