Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to refer to eye discharge is 目やに (meyani). There are also more specific medical or descriptive terms, but 目やに is the everyday word used for the crusty or gooey substance that forms in the corners of the eyes, especially after sleeping.
The speaker wants to refer to the substance that accumulates in the corner of the eye, typically after sleeping, in a casual or everyday context.
The standard, everyday word for eye discharge. It covers the crusty or gooey substance found in the corners of the eyes, especially upon waking. Safe to use in most situations.
朝起きたら目やにがついていた。
When I woke up in the morning, I had eye discharge.
目やにがひどいので病院に行った。
I went to the doctor because I had a lot of eye discharge.
A colloquial and slightly vulgar term for eye discharge, literally 'eye crap'. Commonly used in casual speech, but can sound crude. Often used when talking about sleep crust.
目くそが取れない。
I can't get this eye gunk off.
A more formal or literary term for eye discharge, literally 'eye grease'. It is less common in everyday conversation and may appear in written descriptions or medical contexts.
目脂がたまっている。
Eye discharge has accumulated.
The speaker wants to describe eye discharge in a medical context, specifying its nature (e.g., watery, purulent) or as a symptom of a condition.
The medical term for eye discharge, used by doctors and in clinical settings. It can refer to any type of discharge from the eye.
眼脂が多く出る場合は感染症の可能性があります。
If you have a lot of eye discharge, it could be an infection.
Describes pus-like eye discharge, often associated with bacterial infections. Combines the common word 目やに with 膿 (pus).
膿のような目やにが出ています。
I have pus-like eye discharge.
Literally 'teary eye', this refers to watery eyes or excessive tearing, which can be a form of clear eye discharge. Often used for allergies or irritation.
Do not translate 'eye discharge' word-for-word as 目の分泌物 (me no bunpitsubutsu). While technically correct, it sounds overly clinical and unnatural in daily conversation. Stick with 目やに.
目やに is neutral and can be used in any situation. 目くそ is very casual and slightly vulgar, similar to 'eye gunk' or 'eye boogers'. Use 目やに when speaking politely or to a doctor.
医者に「目やにが出ます」と言った。
I told the doctor, 'I have eye discharge.'
友達に「目くそついてるよ」と言われた。
My friend told me, 'You've got eye gunk.'
I get watery eyes from hay fever.