Translation guide
In Japanese, 'sunglasses' is most commonly expressed with the loanword サングラス. There are also native terms and descriptive phrases, but サングラス is the default in everyday conversation.
サングラス
sunglasses
Refer to sunglasses as an accessory or item in daily life.
The most common and neutral word for sunglasses. Used in all contexts.
新しいサングラスを買った。
I bought new sunglasses.
夏はサングラスが欠かせない。
Sunglasses are essential in summer.
Slang abbreviation of サングラス. Common in casual speech, especially among younger people.
あの人、グラサンかけてるよ。
That person is wearing shades.
Literally 'black glasses'. An older term, now rare. May sound old-fashioned or literary.
彼は黒眼鏡をかけていた。
He was wearing dark glasses.
Describe glasses that are tinted or dark, not necessarily as a fashion item.
Literally 'tinted glasses'. Used when emphasizing the color rather than the function.
彼は色のついた眼鏡をかけている。
He is wearing tinted glasses.
Literally 'dark glasses'. Less common; may be used in specific contexts like medical or protective eyewear.
術後は濃い眼鏡をかけてください。
Please wear dark glasses after the surgery.
Emphasize the protective function against sunlight.
Literally 'sunshade glasses'. Rarely used in modern conversation; may appear in product descriptions.
日よけ眼鏡をお持ちですか？
Do you have sun protection glasses?
サングラス is a loanword and behaves like a regular noun. Use をかける (to put on/wear) or をする (to wear) for wearing sunglasses. をかける is more common for glasses.
サングラスをかける
to put on/wear sunglasses
サングラスをしている
is wearing sunglasses
The direct translation 太陽眼鏡 (たいようめがね) is not used in Japanese. Stick with サングラス.
× 太陽眼鏡
Not used
運転するときはいつもサングラスをかけます。
I always wear sunglasses when I drive.
そのサングラス、かっこいいね。
Those sunglasses look cool.