Japanese meaning of 目の上のたんこぶ
Reading:
めのうえのたんこぶ (me no ue no tankobu)
English Translation:
A thorn in one’s side
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A persistent problem or obstacle that causes ongoing irritation.
Cultural Context:
Often used in Japanese workplace or political contexts for persistent opposition.
長期にわたって続く厄介な問題や障害という意味。
職場や政治での厄介な存在を指す際に使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 目 (me) = “eye” (noun)
• の (no) = possessive/attributive particle
• 上 (ue) = “above/on” (noun)
• の (no) = possessive/attributive particle
• たんこぶ (tankobu) = “lump/bruise” (noun)
Multi-noun phrase linked by の, used metaphorically for an unwelcome person/situation.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as actually referring to a physical lump above the eye, but it’s about an ongoing nuisance or rival.
Example
Basic Example
彼はずっと私の目の上のたんこぶのような存在だ。
He has always been like a thorn in my side.
Applied Example
同じポジションに絶対王者がいて、目の上のたんこぶだ。
There’s a reigning champ in my position—a thorn in my side.