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.
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).
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.
I turned a blind eye to his small mistake.
Literally 'pretend not to see'. Stronger nuance of willfully ignoring something you have clearly noticed.
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.
He closed his eyes to the injustice.
Closing eyes as a natural part of falling asleep, or euphemistically for dying.
The quick, involuntary or semi-voluntary closing and opening of the eyes.
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.
星が瞬く夜空。
A night sky where stars twinkle.