Translation guide
How to express 'squint' in Japanese, covering narrowing eyes to see better, against light, as a facial expression, and related medical terms.
He squinted to read the small print.
Partially close eyelids to improve focus or see something distant or small.
Narrow eyes as a reaction to strong light or glare.
Narrow eyes to convey emotion like suspicion, concentration, or a smiling squint.
The medical condition where eyes do not align properly.
Medical term for strabismus, commonly translated as 'squint' in British English.
Close one eye, e.g., when aiming a gun or winking.
Literally 'close one eye', used for aiming or winking.
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.
Look with squinting eyes.
Read letters with squinted eyes.
Same phrase as above, but context makes it clear it's due to light.
It was so bright I squinted.
Explicitly adds 'seeming dazzled', emphasizing the reaction to brightness.
She squinted at the sun, looking dazzled.
Also used for a soft, smiling squint or a scrutinizing look.
He squinted happily.
Suspicious, he squinted at the other person.
Literally 'make one's eyes narrow', similar to 目を細める but slightly more descriptive.
When he laughs, he squints.
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.
He has a squint.
He aimed the rifle and squinted one eye.
Narrow one eye, less common than 片目をつぶる but possible.
He squinted one eye to take aim.
細目で見る。
Look with narrowed eyes.
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.