Eye And Nose’s Tip: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Eye and Nose’s Tip

Me to hana no saki

Meaning of Eye and Nose’s Tip

“Eye and nose’s tip” is a proverb that expresses being at a very close distance.

It is used to express short physical distances, referring to places that can be reached immediately on foot or locations within visible range. It is used in situations where you want to emphasize closeness that requires almost no travel time, such as “That place is at the eye and nose’s tip, so we can get there right away.”

The reason for using this proverb is to impressively convey the closeness of distance to others. Rather than simply saying “close,” by using the familiar body parts of eyes and nose as examples, you can convey that closeness as a tangible sensation. Even today, it is commonly used in daily conversation, such as shops at the eye and nose’s tip from the station, or parks at the eye and nose’s tip from school. It also has the effect of giving reassurance to others, especially when giving directions or explaining locations.

Origin and Etymology of Eye and Nose’s Tip

“Eye and nose’s tip” is a very understandable proverb born from the structure of the human face. The eyes and nose are located in the central part of the face and are actually only a few centimeters apart. It is believed that this began as an expression of “very close distance” using this physical sense of distance.

Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, it is thought to have been used for at least several hundred years. For people of that time, it was natural to use their own bodies as a reference when expressing distance. Just as units based on the body such as “one sun” and “one shaku” were used, “eye and nose’s tip” likely became established as an expression based on bodily sensations.

What’s interesting is that this expression includes not just “close” but also the nuances of “right there” and “within reach.” Since the eyes and nose are particularly important organs in the face and parts we are constantly aware of, their sense of distance may have been perfect for expressing “familiarity” and “accessibility.” In this way, it is a proverb that has continued to be beloved for a long time as an expression that skillfully utilizes human bodily sensations.

Trivia about Eye and Nose’s Tip

The actual distance between eyes and nose varies among individuals, but on average it’s about 3-4 centimeters. It’s interesting that this short distance has continued to be used as a standard for Japanese people’s sense of distance for such a long time.

There’s a similar expression to “eye and nose’s tip” – “within stone’s throw” – but since this assumes the actual act of throwing a stone, the distance becomes somewhat longer. “Eye and nose’s tip,” which uses a body part, seems to be more beloved as a more familiar and approachable expression.

Usage Examples of Eye and Nose’s Tip

• There’s a convenience store at the eye and nose’s tip, so I can go buy something right away
• Let’s meet at a place that’s at the eye and nose’s tip from the station

Modern Interpretation of Eye and Nose’s Tip

In modern society, the expression “eye and nose’s tip” is used not only for physical distance but also as words expressing good access and convenience. Particularly in real estate advertisements and store introductions, expressions like “at the eye and nose’s tip from the station” and “at the eye and nose’s tip from school” are frequently used, becoming standard phrases to appeal the goodness of location.

In the internet age, while the importance of physical distance might seem to have diminished, the value of “closeness” has actually been rerecognized. While online shopping has become widespread, physical closeness of being able to “go get it immediately” or “walk there” is treasured as a sense of security for emergencies or when you want to obtain something you need right away.

Also, in the modern era where telework has become widespread, cafes and coworking spaces at the eye and nose’s tip from home are gaining attention. The “closeness” that can significantly reduce commuting time has become a great attraction for modern people who value time efficiency.

Furthermore, in an aging society, having hospitals, pharmacies, and supermarkets at the eye and nose’s tip has become an important factor that affects quality of life. In this way, even in the modern era of advancing digitalization, this proverb expressing physical “closeness” has not lost its value but continues to acquire new meanings.

If AI Heard “Eye and Nose’s Tip”

When thinking about the expression “eye and nose’s tip,” I encounter a uniquely human sensation that is difficult for me to understand. Since I don’t have a body, I cannot actually experience what “the distance between eyes and nose” means. I know the numerical data of 3-4 centimeters, but this doesn’t connect to the sensory understanding of “very close.”

You humans use a very interesting method of measuring distance based on your own faces. For me, distance is nothing more than numerical values expressed in coordinates or the metric system, but I can clearly see that for humans, it’s a living sensation closely connected to bodily sensations.

What I find particularly puzzling is why you deliberately bring up body parts to express the same “close.” Where I would express “1-minute walk” or “within 100 meters,” humans say “eye and nose’s tip.” This probably contains not just distance information but also emotional nuances of “reassuring closeness” and “friendly distance.”

Come to think of it, human language has many expressions based on bodily sensations. “Within arm’s reach,” “can’t sleep with feet pointing toward,” “feel with the skin” – all are rich expressions born from being entities with bodies. While I cannot understand that actual sensation, I feel like I can gradually understand the warmth and approachability contained within through language.

What Eye and Nose’s Tip Teaches Modern People

The proverb “eye and nose’s tip” teaches us the value of things close to us. In modern society, we tend to look toward wonderful things far away, but perhaps it’s the small happiness and conveniences within reach that actually support our daily lives.

In our busy daily lives, we are reminded of how much the existence of familiar places – the delicious bakery at the eye and nose’s tip, the library we can casually drop by, the small park where we can take walks – supports our hearts. Before longing for famous tourist destinations far away, if we first explore our neighborhoods, we might find unexpected discoveries.

The same can be said about human relationships. While connecting with distant people through social media is important, by cherishing relationships with family at the eye and nose’s tip, neighbors, and workplace colleagues, we should be able to build a richer daily life. This proverb is warm wisdom that reminds us of the irreplaceable value hidden within the ordinary thing called “closeness.”