Proverb / Kotowaza
眼光紙背に徹す
To understand the true intent behind written words through deep insight.
One's eyesight penetrates to the back of the paper
Quick Answer
To understand the true intent behind written words through deep insight.
- Literal Image
- One's eyesight penetrates to the back of the paper
- How to Use It
- Used to describe or praise a high level of reading comprehension and the ability to perceive nuances that are not explicitly stated.
Meaning
To read a book or document with such deep discernment that one grasps the hidden meaning behind the literal text. It describes the ability to look beyond the surface level to understand an author's underlying purpose or message.
Literal Image
One's eyesight penetrates to the back of the paper
How to Use It
Used to describe or praise a high level of reading comprehension and the ability to perceive nuances that are not explicitly stated.
Tone
This is a literary and intellectual expression.
Examples
眼光紙背に徹すというように、行間の意味まで読み取る力が必要だ。
As the saying goes, 'one's eyesight penetrates the paper,' you need the ability to read the meaning between the lines.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses formal kanji and the classical verb form 'tessu', making it a high-level literary expression.
眼光
がんこう / gankou
eyesight; discernment
紙背
しはい / shihai
back of the paper
徹す
てっす / tessu
to penetrate; to pierce through
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a sophisticated expression and may not be understood in very casual conversation.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as having X-ray vision; it is a metaphor for intellectual depth and reading comprehension.
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Origin
This expression originates from Chinese classics. It metaphorically describes a reader whose eyesight is so sharp and focused that it seems to penetrate through the paper to the other side, signifying profound reading comprehension.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
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Source Note
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