Translation guide
The English word 'blind' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: unable to see, unaware of something, and window coverings. It also briefly covers less common meanings like blind corners and blind dates.
Describing a person or animal that cannot see.
The most direct and common adjective meaning 'blind'. It can be used for people and animals.
彼は盲目のピアニストです。
He is a blind pianist.
A more descriptive phrase literally meaning 'eyes cannot see'. It is very common and natural in conversation.
目の見えない犬を飼っています。
I have a blind dog.
A formal or technical term for a blind person. Often used in legal or medical contexts.
盲人用の点字ブロック
tactile paving for blind people
Describing someone who does not notice or understand something, often deliberately.
Means 'not notice' or 'be unaware'. Used when someone fails to see something obvious.
彼は自分の欠点に気づかない。
He is blind to his own faults.
Literally 'pretend not to see'. Used when someone deliberately ignores something.
彼は不正を見て見ぬふりをした。
He turned a blind eye to the injustice.
Means 'to be ignorant'. Stronger and more formal, implying a lack of knowledge.
彼はその問題について無知だった。
He was blind to the issue.
A covering for a window, typically made of fabric or slats.
The loanword from English, used for Venetian blinds or similar slatted coverings.
ブラインドを下ろしてください。
Please lower the blinds.
Curtains. While not exactly 'blinds', this is the general word for window coverings and is often used when 'blinds' might be meant in English.
Traditional Japanese bamboo blinds, often used outside windows in summer.
夏はすだれをかけます。
We put up bamboo blinds in summer.
An area where visibility is obstructed, such as in driving or architecture.
Literally 'dead angle'. Used for blind spots in driving, security, etc.
車の死角に注意してください。
Please be careful of the car's blind spot.
Describes a place with poor visibility, like a blind corner.
見通しの悪い交差点
a blind intersection
A social meeting between two people who have not met before, arranged by others.
Traditional arranged meeting with marriage potential. Often translated as 'blind date' but carries a more formal, matchmaking nuance.
友達にお見合いをセッティングしてもらった。
My friend set me up on a blind date.
The loanword for a casual blind date, often used among younger people.
ブラインドデートに行くのは緊張する。
I'm nervous about going on a blind date.
Do not use 盲目 (もうもく) to mean 'unaware' or 'ignorant'. It only refers to physical blindness. Use 気づかない or other phrases instead.
ブラインド specifically refers to slatted blinds (Venetian blinds). カーテン is the general word for curtains, but is often used when English speakers might say 'blinds' for any window covering. If in doubt, カーテン is safer.
カーテンを閉めて。
Close the blinds/curtains.