Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'glasses' is めがね. It can refer to eyeglasses, goggles, or even a judgment/evaluation. This guide covers how to talk about glasses naturally in various contexts.
Referring to corrective or protective lenses worn on the face.
The standard word for eyeglasses. Can be written in kanji, hiragana, or katakana (メガネ).
眼鏡をかけています。
I wear glasses.
新しい眼鏡を買いました。
I bought new glasses.
Katakana version, often used in advertising or for stylistic effect. Same meaning as 眼鏡.
メガネをかけるとよく見えます。
I can see well when I wear glasses.
Referring to specialized glasses for protection, sports, or swimming.
Used for swimming goggles, ski goggles, safety goggles, etc.
プールでゴーグルをつけます。
I wear goggles at the pool.
Literally 'protective glasses', used in technical or industrial contexts.
工場では保護眼鏡が必要です。
Safety glasses are required in the factory.
Using 'glasses' metaphorically to mean a way of judging or seeing things.
To view with prejudice or bias. Literally 'to see with colored glasses'.
彼はいつも色眼鏡で人を見る。
He always looks at people through colored glasses (i.e., with prejudice).
To be recognized or approved by someone with authority. Literally 'to meet the glasses'.
彼は上司の眼鏡にかなった。
He won the approval of his boss.
The English word 'glasses' can also mean drinking glasses. In Japanese, that is グラス (glass) or コップ (cup). Do not use 眼鏡 for drinking vessels.
ワイングラス
wine glass
Use the counter 本 (ほん) for long objects like glasses (眼鏡). For example, 眼鏡一本 (one pair of glasses).