N1117/186

めく・めいた

V-ます stem + めくNoun + めくVerb + めいた (past/attributive)Adjい/Adjな + めく(に)

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

About this pattern

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.

Learn in context

Example sentences

雲行きが怪しくなり、空は雨めいてきた。

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。

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。

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。

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。

Her way of speaking was soft, with a kindly, gentle air about it.