Translation guide
How to express the idea of two or more people looking at each other, often with a shared understanding or emotion.
Describing the act of two or more people looking at each other, often briefly or meaningfully.
Literally 'to look at each other's faces'. Used when people exchange glances, often in surprise, confusion, or shared understanding.
彼らは顔を見合わせて笑った。
They exchanged looks and laughed.
その知らせを聞いて、私たちは顔を見合わせた。
Hearing the news, we looked at each other.
When people look at each other and communicate something without words, like a secret, agreement, or mutual feeling.
To communicate with each other through eye contact. Implies a deep understanding or unspoken message.
彼らは目で通じ合って、何も言わずに部屋を出た。
They exchanged a look and left the room without saying anything.
「顔を見合わせる」 emphasizes the mutual action of looking at each other's faces, often in shared reaction. 「目を合わせる」 focuses on making eye contact, which can be intentional or sustained. Use the former for exchanging glances in a group, the latter for one-on-one eye contact.
みんな顔を見合わせて困った表情をした。
Everyone exchanged looks with troubled expressions.
彼と目を合わせられなかった。
I couldn't meet his eyes.
Avoid directly translating 'exchanging looks' as 「見た目を交換する」 or similar. It is unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on the nuance.
Literally 'to meet eyes'. Focuses on making eye contact, often intentionally.
彼と目を合わせるのが恥ずかしい。
I'm embarrassed to exchange looks with him.
会話中は相手と目を合わせることが大切だ。
It's important to exchange looks with the other person during conversation.
Literally 'to exchange gazes'. A slightly more literary or formal way to say exchanging looks.
二人は一瞬視線を交わした。
The two exchanged a glance for a moment.
Literally 'to exchange eye-to-eye looks'. Emphasizes mutual eye contact, somewhat literary.
彼らは目と目を見交わしてうなずいた。
They exchanged looks and nodded.
To make eye contact. Often used in contexts like public speaking or communication skills.
プレゼン中は聴衆とアイコンタクトを取りましょう。
Make eye contact with the audience during your presentation.
To wink or signal with the eyes. Implies a deliberate, often secretive, exchange.
彼女は私に目配せして、ドアの方を指さした。
She exchanged a look with me and pointed toward the door.
We don't say 'exchange appearances'.
We don't say 'exchange appearances'.