Translation guide
The English word "eyes" refers to the physical organs of sight, but also appears in many figurative expressions. This guide covers how to talk about eyes in Japanese, from the basic body part to common idioms.
Referring to the actual organs of sight.
The standard word for 'eye' or 'eyes'. Japanese often does not distinguish singular and plural, so 目 can mean one eye or both eyes depending on context.
彼女は目が大きい。
She has big eyes.
目を閉じてください。
Please close your eyes.
Explicitly means 'both eyes'. Used when you need to emphasize both, or in medical/technical contexts.
両目の視力が違う。
The vision in both eyes is different.
Means 'one eye'. Used when referring to a single eye.
片目をつぶる。
To close one eye.
Referring to the ability to see, or the quality of vision.
The same word 目 is used for eyesight in many contexts.
目がいい。
To have good eyesight.
最近、目が悪くなった。
My eyesight has gotten worse recently.
Specifically means 'visual acuity' or 'eyesight' as a measurable attribute. Common in medical or formal contexts.
Describing the way someone looks at something or the emotion shown in the eyes.
Refers to the look in one's eyes, often implying a certain emotion or attitude.
彼は鋭い目つきをしている。
He has a sharp look in his eyes.
Means 'gaze' or 'line of sight'. Used when talking about where someone is looking.
A more literary or poetic word for 'gaze', often implying warmth or deep emotion.
Expressions like 'keep an eye on' or 'catch someone's eye'.
Literally 'not take one's eyes off', meaning to watch carefully or keep an eye on something.
子供から目を離さないで。
Keep an eye on the children.
Means 'to catch one's eye' or 'to be noticeable'.
そのポスターが目についた。
That poster caught my eye.
Also means 'to catch one's eye' or 'to attract attention', often used for things that stand out visually.
Expressions like 'in my eyes' or 'through someone's eyes'.
Literally 'looking from the eyes of', meaning 'from the perspective of'.
私の目から見ると、それは間違いだ。
In my eyes, that's a mistake.
Means 'point of view' or 'perspective', often used in compound words like 子供目線 (child's perspective).
子供目線で考える。
Think from a child's perspective.
Expressions like 'have an eye for detail' or 'a good eye'.
Means 'to have a good eye' or 'to have discerning taste', often used for appreciating quality.
彼は目が高いから、いい品物を選ぶ。
He has a good eye, so he chooses good items.
Literally 'have eyes to see', meaning to have an eye for something or good judgment.
彼女は絵を見る目がある。
She has an eye for paintings.
Referring to the hole in a needle or similar small opening.
The standard term for the eye of a needle. Note that Japanese uses 穴 (hole) rather than 目 in this context.
針の穴に糸を通す。
Thread the eye of the needle.
Less common, but sometimes used for the eye of a needle. 穴 is preferred.
針の目に糸を通すのは難しい。
It's difficult to thread the eye of a needle.
Japanese does not usually mark plural. 目 can mean 'eye' or 'eyes' depending on context. If you need to be specific, use 両目 (both eyes) or 片目 (one eye).
Many English idioms with 'eye' have direct Japanese equivalents using 目, but not all. For example, 'an eye for an eye' is 目には目を (めにはめを). However, 'to see eye to eye' is 意見が合う (いけんがあう), not using 目.
彼女は目がきれいだ。
She has beautiful eyes.
ガソリンスタンドを探してね。
Keep your eyes open for a gas station.
Natural Japanese often omits 'eyes' here; literally 'look for a gas station'.
I had an eye exam.
I felt someone's eyes on me.
母の優しい眼差し。
Mother's gentle gaze.
Her outfit catches the eye.