Translation guide
Describes having or using only one eye, or something related to a single eye. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific words for physical conditions, actions, or metaphorical uses.
He is blind in one eye.
She winked at me.
Describing a person or animal that has only one functioning eye, either from birth or due to injury/illness.
The most common and neutral word for 'one eye' when referring to having only one eye. It literally means 'one of a pair of eyes' and is used for people or animals.
He lost one eye in an accident.
A more formal or literary term for having one eye. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts, like describing a one-eyed warrior.
A rare, somewhat archaic term for having one eye. It can also imply 'one-eyed' as a distinctive trait.
Actions where you intentionally use only one eye, like winking, aiming, or looking through a telescope.
Referring to a single eye as an organ, or in contexts like 'an eye for an eye'.
Literally 'one eye', used when counting or emphasizing a single eye as a body part.
Expressions like 'keep one eye on' or 'have an eye for', where 'one eye' implies partial attention or a specific talent.
English often uses 'one eye' in phrases like 'keep one eye on' or 'have one eye on'. Japanese may use different structures or omit the number entirely. For example, 'keep an eye on' is often just '見張る' (みはる) or '注意する' (ちゅういする).
片目 (かため) is the everyday word for having one eye or using one eye. 隻眼 (せきがん) is more dramatic and formal, often used in fiction or historical descriptions. Use 片目 in normal conversation.
That cat is blind in one eye.
隻眼の剣士
a one-eyed swordsman
独眼の老人
a one-eyed old man
I looked through the telescope with one eye.
To close one eye, often deliberately for aiming or winking.
He closed one eye and took aim at the target.
The loanword for 'wink', specifically closing one eye briefly as a signal or gesture.
She winked at me.
The monster had one eye.
One eye of a pair, often used when comparing or referring to one side.
One eye is red.
The police are keeping an eye on that area.
Idiom meaning 'to have a weakness for' or 'to be crazy about'. Not literally 'one eye', but uses 'eye' to express strong liking.
This idiom uses '目' (eye) but does not mean 'one eye'. It's included because learners might encounter 'eye' in similar contexts.
He has a sweet tooth (literally: he has no eye for sweets).