Translation guide
The substance that accumulates in the corners of the eyes, especially after sleep. In Japanese, this is most commonly referred to as 目やに (meyani), but there are other terms depending on context and formality.
The everyday word for the crusty or sticky substance in the eyes, especially upon waking.
The most common and neutral term for eye mucus. Used in daily conversation and understood by all ages.
朝起きたら目やにがついていた。
When I woke up in the morning, I had eye mucus.
目やにが多くて目が開けにくい。
There's so much eye mucus that it's hard to open my eyes.
A colloquial and slightly vulgar term, literally 'eye crap'. Used casually among friends or family, but can sound childish or impolite.
目くそがたまってるよ。
You've got eye gunk.
The kanji form of 目やに, using 脂 (fat/oil). This is rarely used in modern writing and may not be recognized by all readers. Stick to hiragana.
目脂が気になる。
I'm bothered by the eye mucus.
Used in medical contexts or when speaking formally about eye discharge.
The formal medical term for eye discharge, including mucus. Used by doctors or in clinical settings.
眼脂が認められる場合は感染症の可能性があります。
If eye discharge is observed, there is a possibility of infection.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'secretion from the eyes'. More general and can include tears or pus, but used in formal explanations.
目からの分泌物が増えている。
The discharge from my eyes has increased.
Emphasizing the dried mucus that forms during sleep.
A compound of 寝 (sleep) and やに (mucus), specifically referring to eye mucus that appears after sleeping. Common in casual speech.
寝やにがすごいんだけど。
I've got a lot of sleep crust.
Literally 'morning eye mucus'. A straightforward way to specify sleep-related eye mucus.
朝の目やにを取る。
I remove the morning eye mucus.
Do not translate 'eye mucus' directly as 目の粘液 (めのねんえき). While understandable, it sounds unnatural and overly clinical. Use 目やに instead.
目くそ is very informal and can be seen as crude. It's fine among close friends, but avoid it in polite conversation or with strangers.