Japanese meaning of 二階から目薬
Reading:
にかいからめぐすり (nikai kara megusuri)
English Translation:
A roundabout way to do something
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Trying to fix a problem in a way that can’t be effective.
Cultural Context:
Originates from an Edo-era comic image of dropping eyedrops from an upstairs window; used to critique inefficient processes in business and bureaucracy; contrasts with Japan’s kaizen/genba mindset.
効果が届かない・回りくどくて役に立たないやり方のこと。
江戸期の滑稽な比喩（2階から目薬）に由来。業務やお役所仕事の非効率を揶揄する際に用いられ、「現場・カイゼン」志向と対比される。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 二階 (nikai) = “second floor” (noun)
• から (kara) = particle meaning “from”
• 目薬 (megusuri) = “eye drops” (noun)
Noun + particle + noun structure, implying inefficiency or difficulty in achieving a goal.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s a metaphor for an ineffective or impractical action.
Example
Basic Example
説明が遠回りすぎて、まるで二階から目薬のようだ。
The explanation was so roundabout—it was like trying to apply eye drops from the second floor.
Applied Example
ヒントが回りくどすぎて、二階から目薬って感じだな。
The hint was so indirect—it’s like putting in eye drops from the second floor.