Translation guide
Describes a state of crying or being tearful. Japanese uses various expressions depending on the cause, intensity, and context.
Expressing that someone is crying or has tears in their eyes, often due to sadness or emotion.
Describing the appearance of having tears in the eyes, often without active crying.
Literally 'with tears floating in the eyes'. Common for describing a tearful expression.
Expressing the sudden onset of crying.
Compound verb meaning 'to start crying' or 'burst into tears'.
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.
赤ちゃんが泣いている。
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.
He said goodbye with tears in his eyes.
Means 'eyes full of tears'. More literal and descriptive.
She looked at me with eyes full of tears.
She suddenly burst into tears.
Literally 'tears overflow'. Describes tears welling up and spilling over, often due to strong emotion.
Tears of joy overflowed.