Translation guide
How to express the act of two or more people looking at each other, often with a shared understanding or emotion.
Describing the simple action of two people looking at each other.
Literally 'eyes meet'. This is the most common and natural way to say that two people's eyes meet, often by chance.
I exchanged glances with him in the classroom.
Our eyes met and we smiled at each other.
A more literal translation, 'to exchange glances'. Slightly more formal or literary than 目が合う.
The two exchanged meaningful glances.
Emphasizes the mutual act of looking into each other's eyes. Somewhat literary.
They exchanged glances and nodded.
When the glance carries a shared secret, understanding, or emotion.
Specifically for meaningful glances. 意味ありげ means 'meaningful' or 'suggestive'.
They exchanged meaningful glances and giggled.
To signal with one's eyes, to wink or give a meaningful look. Often implies a secret signal.
To make eye contact. Often used in contexts of communication or connection, not just a fleeting glance.
A quick, often furtive look exchanged between people.
目が合う is the most common and natural way to say 'exchange glances' in the sense of eyes meeting, often accidentally. 視線を交わす is more deliberate and can imply a shared understanding or intention. Use 目が合う for everyday situations.
I exchanged glances with a stranger on the train.
They exchanged glances like conspirators.
The direct translation '視線を交換する' is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases provided instead.
He gave me a meaningful glance, signaling me to leave the room.
During a presentation, it's important to make eye contact with the audience.
During the meeting, they exchanged a glance to confirm their agreement.