Translation guide
How to express the act of two or more people looking at each other, often with a shared understanding or emotion.
Describing the simple action of two people looking at each other.
Literally 'eyes meet'. This is the most common and natural way to say that two people's eyes meet, often by chance.
教室で彼と目が合った。
I exchanged glances with him in the classroom.
When the glance carries a shared secret, understanding, or emotion.
Specifically for meaningful glances. 意味ありげ means 'meaningful' or 'suggestive'.
彼女たちは意味ありげな視線を交わして、くすくす笑った。
They exchanged meaningful glances and giggled.
A quick, often furtive look exchanged between people.
ちらっと means 'for a moment' or 'briefly'. 見合う is 'to look at each other'.
二人はちらっと見合って、すぐに目をそらした。
They exchanged a quick glance and immediately looked away.
目が合う is the most common and natural way to say 'exchange glances' in the sense of eyes meeting, often accidentally. 視線を交わす is more deliberate and can imply a shared understanding or intention. Use 目が合う for everyday situations.
電車で知らない人と目が合った。
I exchanged glances with a stranger on the train.
彼らは共謀者のように視線を交わした。
They exchanged glances like conspirators.
The direct translation '視線を交換する' is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases provided instead.
Our eyes met and we smiled at each other.
A more literal translation, 'to exchange glances'. Slightly more formal or literary than 目が合う.
二人は意味ありげに視線を交わした。
The two exchanged meaningful glances.
Emphasizes the mutual act of looking into each other's eyes. Somewhat literary.
彼らは目と目を見交わし、うなずいた。
They exchanged glances and nodded.
To signal with one's eyes, to wink or give a meaningful look. Often implies a secret signal.
彼は私に目くばせして、部屋を出るように合図した。
He gave me a meaningful glance, signaling me to leave the room.
To make eye contact. Often used in contexts of communication or connection, not just a fleeting glance.
プレゼン中は聴衆とアイコンタクトを取ることが大切だ。
During a presentation, it's important to make eye contact with the audience.
Literary expression for exchanging a glance. 一瞥 means 'a glance'.
会議中、彼らは一瞥を交わして意見の一致を確認した。
During the meeting, they exchanged a glance to confirm their agreement.