Translation guide
Describes eyes that are partially closed, often conveying tiredness, boredom, suspicion, or a relaxed state. Japanese has several expressions depending on the nuance.
Eyes that are half-closed due to drowsiness or fatigue.
A straightforward description: 'eyes are half-closed'. Neutral and widely understood.
彼は眠そうで、目が半分閉じていた。
He looked sleepy, his eyes were half-closed.
Literally 'half-eye'. Often used in the phrase 半目を開ける (to open one's eyes halfway) or to describe a sleepy expression. Casual.
眠くて半目になってきた。
I'm getting so sleepy my eyes are half-open.
Describes droopy, heavy-lidded eyes, often from sleepiness or intoxication. Evokes a soft, unfocused look.
赤ちゃんがとろんとした目をしている。
The baby has droopy, half-open eyes.
Eyes that are half-closed to show lack of interest, disdain, or cool indifference.
To look with half-closed eyes, often implying boredom or contempt. The phrase 半目 itself can carry this nuance.
彼は半目で私を見て、あくびをした。
He looked at me with half-open eyes and yawned.
A slang term for a half-lidded, unimpressed stare. Often used in anime/manga contexts to show annoyance or skepticism.
彼女はジト目で彼をにらんだ。
She glared at him with half-open, unimpressed eyes.
Literally 'disillusioned eyes'. Implies a cold, half-lidded look of disappointment or boredom.
彼の冗談に、みんな白けた目を向けた。
Everyone gave his joke a half-open, unamused look.
Eyes that are softly half-open, expressing pleasure, relaxation, or allure.
Eyes half-closed in a dreamy, enchanted state. Often used for someone enjoying music, food, or a beautiful view.
彼女はうっとりとした目で夕日を見ていた。
She was watching the sunset with half-closed, dreamy eyes.
Literally 'narrowed eyes'. Can indicate a gentle smile, suspicion, or concentration. Context determines the nuance.
猫が気持ちよさそうに目を細めている。
The cat has its eyes half-closed in contentment.
A sensual, alluring gaze with half-closed eyes. Often used in romantic contexts.
彼女は色っぽい目つきで彼を見つめた。
She gazed at him with half-open, seductive eyes.
Half-open eyes due to a medical issue like ptosis or nerve damage.
Medical term for ptosis (drooping eyelid). Used in clinical contexts.
眼瞼下垂の手術を受けた。
I had surgery for drooping eyelids.
Everyday phrase meaning 'eyelids droop'. Can refer to tiredness or a medical condition.
年を取るとまぶたが下がってくる。
As you age, your eyelids start to droop.
The direct translation '半分開いた目' is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use the expressions above for specific nuances.
半目 is a general term for half-open eyes, while ジト目 specifically refers to a cold, unimpressed stare often seen in manga/anime. ジト目 is slang and not used in formal situations.