Translation guide
In Japanese, 'eyesight' is most commonly expressed as 視力 (shiryoku), referring to visual acuity. Other terms like 視覚 (shikaku) mean 'sense of sight', and 目 (me) can be used in phrases about vision. This guide covers how to talk about eyesight quality, vision problems, and related expressions.
Referring to how well one sees, often measured in numbers (e.g., 20/20 vision).
The standard term for visual acuity. Used in medical contexts and everyday conversation.
視力が落ちた。
My eyesight has gotten worse.
視力検査を受けました。
I had an eyesight test.
Literally 'eyes are good', a common casual way to say one has good eyesight.
彼は目がいい。
He has good eyesight.
Literally 'eyes are bad', the casual opposite of 目がいい.
最近目が悪くなった。
My eyesight has gotten worse lately.
Referring to the ability to see, often in abstract or biological contexts.
Common phrases involving eyesight or vision.
Literally 'eyes are effective', meaning to have a sharp eye or keen insight, not just visual acuity.
彼は骨董に目が利く。
He has a good eye for antiques.
Literally 'have no eyes', meaning to be extremely fond of something or unable to resist it. Not about eyesight.
Do not use this to mean 'blind' or 'poor eyesight'.
甘いものに目がない。
I have a sweet tooth (I can't resist sweets).
視力 (shiryoku) is visual acuity, the sharpness of vision. 視覚 (shikaku) is the sense of sight itself. Use 視力 for eyesight tests and quality, and 視覚 for the faculty of vision.
While 目の見え (me no mie) can mean 'sight', it is not a standard term for eyesight. Stick to 視力 or 目がいい/悪い.