Translation guide
The English word 'eyelid' refers to the thin fold of skin that covers and protects the eye. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is まぶた. There are also more formal or anatomical terms, as well as expressions for specific eyelid types.
eyelid
The fold of skin that covers the eye when closed.
The standard, everyday word for 'eyelid'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
My eyelids feel heavy.
Close one's eyelids.
A formal, anatomical term for 'eyelid'. Used in medical contexts.
I had surgery for drooping eyelids.
Specifically the upper fold of skin above the eye.
The upper eyelid. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
My upper eyelid is swollen.
Specifically the lower fold of skin below the eye.
The lower eyelid. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
I got a bump on my lower eyelid.
An eyelid with a visible crease, often considered a beauty feature.
An eyelid without a visible crease.
An eyelid that droops or sags, often due to aging or a medical condition.
まぶた is the everyday word for eyelid. 眼瞼 is a formal, anatomical term used mainly in medical contexts. For daily conversation, always use まぶた.
My eyelid is itchy.
I was diagnosed with blepharitis.
When talking about eyelid shapes (single/double), Japanese commonly uses 一重 (ひとえ) and 二重 (ふたえ) as standalone nouns or combined with まぶた. In casual beauty contexts, 一重 and 二重 are sufficient.
I want to make my double eyelid crease wider.
I prefer double eyelids over single eyelids.
I have single eyelids, so I use eyelid glue.
Medical term for ptosis (drooping eyelid). Used in clinical settings.
I have symptoms of drooping eyelid.