Translation guide
The English word "eyes" refers to the physical organs of sight, but also appears in many figurative expressions. This guide covers how to talk about eyes in Japanese, from the basic body part to common idioms.
Referring to the actual organs of sight.
The standard word for 'eye' or 'eyes'. Japanese often does not distinguish singular and plural, so 目 can mean one eye or both eyes depending on context.
彼女は目が大きい。
She has big eyes.
Please close your eyes.
Explicitly means 'both eyes'. Used when you need to emphasize both, or in medical/technical contexts.
The vision in both eyes is different.
Means 'one eye'. Used when referring to a single eye.
To close one eye.
Referring to the ability to see, or the quality of vision.
Describing the way someone looks at something or the emotion shown in the eyes.
Refers to the look in one's eyes, often implying a certain emotion or attitude.
He has a sharp look in his eyes.
Means 'gaze' or 'line of sight'. Used when talking about where someone is looking.
A more literary or poetic word for 'gaze', often implying warmth or deep emotion.
Expressions like 'keep an eye on' or 'catch someone's eye'.
Literally 'not take one's eyes off', meaning to watch carefully or keep an eye on something.
Keep an eye on the children.
Means 'to catch one's eye' or 'to be noticeable'.
Also means 'to catch one's eye' or 'to attract attention', often used for things that stand out visually.
Expressions like 'in my eyes' or 'through someone's eyes'.
Expressions like 'have an eye for detail' or 'a good eye'.
Referring to the hole in a needle or similar small opening.
Japanese does not usually mark plural. 目 can mean 'eye' or 'eyes' depending on context. If you need to be specific, use 両目 (both eyes) or 片目 (one eye).
Many English idioms with 'eye' have direct Japanese equivalents using 目, but not all. For example, 'an eye for an eye' is 目には目を (めにはめを). However, 'to see eye to eye' is 意見が合う (いけんがあう), not using 目.
She has beautiful eyes.
Keep your eyes open for a gas station.
Natural Japanese often omits 'eyes' here; literally 'look for a gas station'.
I had an eye exam.
I felt someone's eyes on me.
母の優しい眼差し。
Mother's gentle gaze.
That poster caught my eye.
Her outfit catches the eye.
Think from a child's perspective.