also: はくがん
noun
white of the eye
Anatomical term for the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. Often contrasted with 黒目 (the pupil/iris).
See also: 黒目
彼は驚いて白目をむいた。
He rolled his eyes back in surprise, showing the whites.
白目の部分が充血している。
The white part of the eye is bloodshot.
noun
cold, unwelcoming eyes
Describes a look that shows no warmth or friendliness, often implying suspicion, disdain, or rejection. Frequently used in the phrase 白目で見る (to look at someone coldly).
See also: 青眼
彼女は私を白目で見て、何も言わなかった。
She looked at me with cold eyes and said nothing.
新入社員は先輩たちの白目に耐えながら仕事を覚えた。
The new employee learned the job while enduring the cold stares of the senior staff.
Alternate kanji spelling for しろめ; also read はくがん in some contexts.
Rare reading of 白眼, mostly encountered in literary or technical contexts.
Compound of 白 (しろ, 'white') and 目 (め, 'eye'). The figurative sense of 'cold eyes' likely derives from the idea of showing the whites of the eyes as a sign of disdain or rejection.