Translation guide
How to express 'squint' in Japanese, covering narrowing eyes to see better, against light, as a facial expression, and related medical terms.
彼は小さな文字を読むために目を細めた。
He squinted to read the small print.
Partially close eyelids to improve focus or see something distant or small.
The most common and natural way to say 'squint' when you narrow your eyes to see something more clearly.
彼は遠くの看板を見ようと目を細めた。
He squinted to try to read the distant sign.
Noun meaning 'narrow eyes' or 'squinting', often used in the phrase 細目を開ける (to open one's eyes narrowly).
細目で文字を読む。
Read letters with squinted eyes.
Narrow eyes as a reaction to strong light or glare.
Same phrase as above, but context makes it clear it's due to light.
まぶしくて目を細めた。
It was so bright I squinted.
Explicitly adds 'seeming dazzled', emphasizing the reaction to brightness.
彼女は太陽を見てまぶしそうに目を細めた。
She squinted at the sun, looking dazzled.
Narrow eyes to convey emotion like suspicion, concentration, or a smiling squint.
Also used for a soft, smiling squint or a scrutinizing look.
彼は嬉しそうに目を細めた。
He squinted happily.
怪しいと思って目を細めて相手を見た。
Suspicious, he squinted at the other person.
Literally 'make one's eyes narrow', similar to 目を細める but slightly more descriptive.
笑うと彼は目を細くする。
When he laughs, he squints.
The medical condition where eyes do not align properly.
Medical term for strabismus, commonly translated as 'squint' in British English.
子供の斜視は早期治療が大切です。
Early treatment is important for childhood squint.
Colloquial and somewhat dated term for squint or cross-eye; can be derogatory.
May be considered rude; use 斜視 in polite or medical contexts.
Close one eye, e.g., when aiming a gun or winking.
Literally 'close one eye', used for aiming or winking.
彼はライフルを構えて片目をつぶった。
He aimed the rifle and squinted one eye.
Narrow one eye, less common than 片目をつぶる but possible.
彼は照準を合わせるために片目を細めた。
He squinted one eye to take aim.
目を細める is a verb phrase meaning 'to squint' (action). 細目 is a noun meaning 'narrow eyes' or 'squinting eyes' (state). Use 目を細める for the act of squinting.
斜視 is a medical condition (strabismus). Do not use it to describe someone narrowing their eyes to see better or because of light. Use 目を細める instead.
彼はやぶにらみだ。
He has a squint.