‘耳目’ literally means ‘ears and eyes’—the two primary human sensory organs for perceiving the external world. As a compound noun, it metaphorically refers to people who serve as observers, informants, or agents who gather information on behalf of someone else—much like extending one’s own hearing and sight. The character 耳 (ěr) means ‘ear’, and 目 (mù) means ‘eye’; together, they form a classical binomial that emphasizes comprehensive perception and surveillance.

This term is commonly used in formal, literary, or bureaucratic contexts—especially when discussing intelligence-gathering, oversight, or monitoring activities. It often carries a neutral-to-slightly-negative connotation depending on context: while it can describe legitimate investigators or reporters, it may also imply spies or undercover agents. Unlike modern terms like ‘reporter’ or ‘informant’, 耳目 retains a classical, somewhat archaic flavor and appears frequently in historical texts, news commentary, and official discourse.