Translation guide
Describes the state when tears are welling up or visible in the eyes, often due to emotion, irritation, or physical causes.
Express that someone is moved, sad, or touched to the point of tears forming.
Literally 'tears float up'. A natural way to say tears are welling up, often from emotion.
感動して、目に涙が浮かんだ。
I was so moved that tears came to my eyes.
Express that tears are forming due to wind, smoke, onions, etc.
General phrase for tears coming out, often from physical causes.
玉ねぎを切ると涙が出る。
Cutting onions makes tears come to my eyes.
Describe that tears are visible in the eyes but not necessarily falling.
Literally 'to store tears in one's eyes'. Used when someone is holding back tears.
彼女は目に涙をためて、うつむいた。
She looked down with tears in her eyes.
「涙が出る」 is a general phrase for tears coming out, often from physical causes or strong emotion. 「涙が浮かぶ」 specifically describes tears welling up and being visible in the eyes, usually from emotion.
風で涙が出た。
The wind made tears come out.
感動で涙が浮かんだ。
Tears welled up from emotion.
Describes eyes becoming moist or glistening with tears, often from sadness or being touched.
彼女の話を聞いて、目が潤んだ。
Hearing her story, my eyes welled up.
Verb meaning to be on the verge of tears, eyes filling with tears.
彼は別れの言葉に涙ぐんだ。
He got teary-eyed at the parting words.
Describes a stinging sensation in the eyes that causes tears, e.g., from smoke or shampoo.
煙で目がしみて涙が出た。
The smoke stung my eyes and brought tears.
Tears blurring the vision or welling up slightly.
嬉しくて、涙がにじんだ。
I was so happy that tears blurred my eyes.