Translation guide
Describes a state of crying or being tearful. Japanese uses various expressions depending on the cause, intensity, and context.
She is in tears.
The baby is crying.
Literally 'shedding tears'. More descriptive and slightly formal. Emphasizes the visible flow of tears.
He was in tears from being moved.
Means 'to be on the verge of tears' or 'eyes welling up'. Used when tears are forming but not necessarily falling.
She was in tears listening to the story.
Describes sobbing or crying uncontrollably. Stronger emotional connotation.
The child was in tears, sobbing.
Describing the appearance of having tears in the eyes, often without active crying.
Expressing the sudden onset of crying.
The English phrase 'in tears' is often used as an adverbial phrase (e.g., 'She left in tears'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use a verb phrase like 泣きながら (while crying) or 泣いて (crying) instead of a direct translation.
She left the room in tears.
She looked at me with eyes full of tears.