Translation guide
How to express the idea of two or more people looking at each other, often with a shared understanding or emotion.
They exchanged looks and laughed.
Hearing the news, we looked at each other.
Literally 'to meet eyes'. Focuses on making eye contact, often intentionally.
I'm embarrassed to exchange looks with him.
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.
The two exchanged a glance for a moment.
Literally 'to exchange eye-to-eye looks'. Emphasizes mutual eye contact, somewhat literary.
They exchanged looks and nodded.
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.
They exchanged a look and left the room without saying anything.
To make eye contact. Often used in contexts like public speaking or communication skills.
To wink or signal with the eyes. Implies a deliberate, often secretive, exchange.
「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.
Everyone exchanged looks with troubled expressions.
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.
We don't say 'exchange appearances'.
Make eye contact with the audience during your presentation.
She exchanged a look with me and pointed toward the door.