Translation guide
The act of shutting one's eyes, either literally or figuratively. In Japanese, different expressions are used depending on whether you are closing your eyes to sleep, blinking, turning a blind eye, or closing your eyes in death.
The basic physical action of closing your eyes on purpose, such as when relaxing, thinking, or playing a game.
The most common and neutral way to say 'close one's eyes'. Used for voluntary, deliberate eye-closing.
彼は静かに目を閉じた。
He quietly closed his eyes.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Also means 'close one's eyes', often with a nuance of squeezing them shut or deliberately blocking vision. Can imply turning a blind eye (see next meaning).
子供は怖くて目をつぶった。
The child closed his eyes tightly because he was scared.
Figuratively closing one's eyes to something wrong or inconvenient; ignoring or overlooking.
The most common way to say 'turn a blind eye'. Can be used for minor faults or deliberate ignorance.
彼の小さなミスには目をつぶってあげた。
I turned a blind eye to his small mistake.
Literally 'pretend not to see'. Stronger nuance of willfully ignoring something you have clearly noticed.
彼はいじめを見て見ぬふりをした。
He pretended not to see the bullying.
Same as 目をつぶる but using the kanji 瞑る. More literary or formal written style.
彼は不正に目を瞑った。
He closed his eyes to the injustice.
Closing eyes as a natural part of falling asleep, or euphemistically for dying.
Used for closing eyes when going to sleep. Neutral and common.
眠る前に目を閉じた。
I closed my eyes before sleeping.
Formal euphemism for 'pass away', literally 'eternal sleep'. Used in obituaries or solemn contexts.
彼は昨夜永眠しました。
He passed away last night.
The quick, involuntary or semi-voluntary closing and opening of the eyes.
The standard verb for 'blink'. Can also be used figuratively for a moment.
彼女は驚いて何度も瞬きした。
She blinked several times in surprise.
More literary or poetic word for 'blink' or 'twinkle'. Often used for stars or lights.
星が瞬く夜空。
A night sky where stars twinkle.
Both mean 'close one's eyes', but 目を閉じる is a gentle, neutral closing, while 目をつぶる often implies shutting tightly or deliberately blocking sight. 目をつぶる is also the go-to phrase for 'turning a blind eye'.
閉める (しめる) means 'close' for doors, windows, etc. Using it for eyes (目を閉める) is incorrect. Always use 閉じる (とじる) or つぶる.