Translation guide
The English verb 'blink' refers to the rapid closing and opening of the eyelids. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 瞬く (またたく) or 瞬きする (まばたきする), but the choice depends on whether it's a natural, involuntary blink or a deliberate, conscious action. There are also idiomatic expressions for 'in the blink of an eye' and related concepts.
To describe the automatic, quick closing and opening of the eyes that happens without thinking.
This is the most common verb for an involuntary blink. It can also mean 'to twinkle' (like a star). Often used in the form 瞬き (まばたき) as a noun.
He blinked several times in surprise.
It was so bright I couldn't stop blinking.
A common alternative using the noun 瞬き (まばたき) with する. Slightly more colloquial and often used for a single blink or the act of blinking.
She blinked without saying anything.
An alternative reading of 瞬く, more literary or dialectal. Rarely used in modern standard Japanese.
The old man was blinking repeatedly.
To describe a purposeful closing and opening of one eye or both eyes, often to communicate or clear vision.
The loanword for 'wink', used specifically for closing one eye as a signal or gesture. Not used for a normal blink.
He winked at me.
Literally 'to close one eye'. Can be used for winking or for deliberately closing one eye (e.g., when aiming).
She winked mischievously.
An onomatopoeic expression for blinking rapidly or repeatedly, often deliberately or in confusion. Can also describe fluttering eyelashes.
To express that something happens extremely quickly, almost instantly.
A very common idiom meaning 'in the blink of an eye' or 'in a flash'. Used for events that happen so fast they seem instantaneous.
In the blink of an eye, the sky darkened.
Another common idiom meaning 'in no time' or 'before you know it'. Slightly less literal but very natural for expressing speed.
Literally 'in an instant'. More formal than 瞬く間に, but still common.
The scenery changed in the blink of an eye.
To describe someone who does not blink, often implying they are staring intently or showing no fear.
Both mean 'to blink', but 瞬く (またたく) is slightly more formal and often used in written language or for involuntary actions. 瞬きする (まばたきする) is more common in casual speech. 瞬く can also mean 'to twinkle' (e.g., stars), while 瞬きする is strictly about blinking.
ウインクする specifically means 'to wink' (closing one eye intentionally). Using it for a normal blink would sound strange. Use 瞬く or 瞬きする instead.
She blinked back tears.
The child was blinking sleepily.
The vacation was over in the blink of an eye.
She told the truth without blinking.