Translation guide
The physical eyeball, as distinct from the eye area or eyesight. In Japanese, the most common word is 目 (me), which covers both 'eye' and 'eyeball' in many contexts. For explicit anatomical reference, 眼球 (gankyū) is used.
eyeball (anatomy)
eyeball (informal, eye)
General word for eye; context distinguishes eyeball.
Referring specifically to the spherical organ itself, often in medical, scientific, or descriptive contexts.
The standard anatomical term for 'eyeball'. Used in medical contexts, biology, and when you need to be precise about the organ.
I'm studying the structure of the eyeball.
He damaged his eyeball in an accident.
The general word for 'eye'. In everyday conversation, 目 is used for the eyeball as well as the surrounding area. Context usually makes it clear.
目 can also mean eyesight, gaze, or the entire eye region. Use 眼球 when you need to be unambiguous about the organ.
I got something in my eyeball.
Literally 'eye ball', this is a colloquial term. It can sound childish or informal, and is often used in compound words or expressions.
fried egg (sunny-side up, literally 'eyeball fry')
Informal English meaning 'to look at closely' or 'to estimate visually'. This is slang and does not have a direct Japanese equivalent as a single verb.
There is no single Japanese verb for 'to eyeball'. Use じろじろ見る (to stare rudely) or 目測する (to estimate by eye) depending on the nuance.
Direct translation of 'eyeball' as a verb will not be understood. Use context-appropriate phrases.
He eyeballed me. (stared at me rudely)
Eyeball the distance. (estimate by eye)
目 is the everyday word for 'eye' and is used for the eyeball in most casual contexts. 眼球 is the precise anatomical term. Use 眼球 when discussing medical conditions, biology, or when you need to avoid ambiguity.
My eyes are tired. (not specifically eyeballs)
Examine eyeball movement.
目玉 is a colloquial word for eyeball, often used in compounds like 目玉焼き (fried egg). It is not appropriate in medical or formal contexts.