Translation guide
The English word 'blind' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: unable to see, unaware of something, and window coverings. It also briefly covers less common meanings like blind corners and blind dates.
Describing a person or animal that cannot see.
The most direct and common adjective meaning 'blind'. It can be used for people and animals.
He is a blind pianist.
A more descriptive phrase literally meaning 'eyes cannot see'. It is very common and natural in conversation.
I have a blind dog.
A formal or technical term for a blind person. Often used in legal or medical contexts.
tactile paving for blind people
Describing someone who does not notice or understand something, often deliberately.
Means 'not notice' or 'be unaware'. Used when someone fails to see something obvious.
He is blind to his own faults.
Literally 'pretend not to see'. Used when someone deliberately ignores something.
Means 'to be ignorant'. Stronger and more formal, implying a lack of knowledge.
He was blind to the issue.
A covering for a window, typically made of fabric or slats.
The loanword from English, used for Venetian blinds or similar slatted coverings.
Please lower the blinds.
Curtains. While not exactly 'blinds', this is the general word for window coverings and is often used when 'blinds' might be meant in English.
Traditional Japanese bamboo blinds, often used outside windows in summer.
An area where visibility is obstructed, such as in driving or architecture.
A social meeting between two people who have not met before, arranged by others.
Do not use 盲目 (もうもく) to mean 'unaware' or 'ignorant'. It only refers to physical blindness. Use 気づかない or other phrases instead.
ブラインド specifically refers to slatted blinds (Venetian blinds). カーテン is the general word for curtains, but is often used when English speakers might say 'blinds' for any window covering. If in doubt, カーテン is safer.
He turned a blind eye to the injustice.
カーテンを閉めて。
Close the blinds/curtains.
We put up bamboo blinds in summer.
The loanword for a casual blind date, often used among younger people.
I'm nervous about going on a blind date.