めく・めいた
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
to have the appearance of
to seem to be
to come to a state that resembles
to have an air of
somewhat like
feels almost like
Usage
V-ます stem + めく
Noun + めく
Verb + めいた (past/attributive)
Adjい/Adjな + めく（に）
Explanation
めく and its attributive form めいた describe a perceived change or appearance that suggests a state or quality. It conveys that something starts to show signs of or seems to become like something else. It often indicates a gradual impression rather than a definite fact. This nuance is similar to saying 'it starts to look/feel...' or 'to take on an air of...' in English. It can be used with actions, states, weather, atmospheres, or expressions, and is common in literary or descriptive narration.
雲行きが怪しくなり、空は雨めいてきた。
くもゆきがあやしくなり、そらはあめめいてきた。
The sky grew ominous, and it began to look rainish.
彼の顔には安堵の色が浮かび、笑みがめいた。
かれのかおにはあんどのいろがうかび、えみがめいた。
A look of relief rose on his face, and a smile began to look as if it rested there.
夜は更けるにつれて街の雰囲気が霧めいた。
よるはふけるにつれてまちのふんいきがきりめいた。
As night deepened, the town's atmosphere took on a misty feel.
新しい政策は実現の気配を見せ、経済は回復めいている。
あたらしいせいさくはじつげんのけはいをみせ、けいざいはかいふくめいている。
The new policy shows signs of being realized, and the economy is taking on a recovery look.
彼女の話し方は柔らかく、優しげめいた雰囲気だった。
かのじょのはなしかたはやわらかく、やさしげめいたふんいきだった。
Her way of speaking was soft, with a kindly, gentle air about it.