The Difference Between “目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) and “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru)
Have you ever heard phrases like “目をつぶって!” (me wo tsubutte – Close your eyes!) or “目を閉じて!” (me wo tojite – Close your eyes!) and wondered if they mean the same thing? While both expressions refer to closing your eyes, there are actually subtle differences in how they’re used. Let’s break it down to help you understand when to use each one, with clear examples from Eri at JPLT Online Japanese Language School.
In this article, Eri-san, a staff member of JPLT Online Japanese Language School, will explain the difference between these two words in an easy-to-understand way for all learners of Japanese.
■ The Difference Between “目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) and “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru)
“目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) can imply more than just physically closing your eyes. It often carries the following meanings:
- Intentional closing of the eyes: Used to emphasize a conscious action, such as sleeping, focusing, or hiding emotions.
- Temporarily closing the eyes: This phrase can also describe short-term actions like blinking or briefly shutting your eyelids.
- Pretending not to see: In some cases, it refers to deliberately ignoring something unpleasant or inconvenient.
- Examples:
- “I’m tired, so I want to close my eyes and rest.” (sleep)
- “I close my eyes and take a deep breath to concentrate.” (focus)
- “I’ll overlook his mistake this time.” (pretending not to see)
On the other hand, “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru) is a more general expression that refers to the simple physical act of closing your eyes.
- Physical action: It simply describes the action of shutting your eyelids to block out light or vision.
- Examples:
- “The bright light is too dazzling, so I want to close my eyes.”
- “I’m sleepy, and my eyes naturally close on their own.”
■ Key Difference in Nuance
Both “目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) and “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru) involve closing the eyes, but their nuances are different. “目をつぶる” often reflects more than just a physical action; it can indicate a mental state or specific situation. On the other hand, “目を閉じる” is a straightforward expression that refers to the physical act of closing one’s eyes.
■ A Deeper Look at “目を瞑る” (me wo tsuburu)
Did you know that “目をつぶる” can also be written as “目を瞑る” (me wo tsuburu)? The character “瞑” has a Buddhist origin, meaning “to calm the mind and contemplate deeply.” Therefore, “目を瞑る” can carry a deeper meaning beyond simply closing your eyes—it may imply calming oneself or entering a state of meditation.
■ Conclusion: Discovering the Depth of the Japanese Language
Were you surprised to find so much meaning hidden in the difference between “目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) and “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru)? Japanese is full of subtle nuances, even when expressing the same action. “目をつぶる” can represent various situations or psychological states, such as sleeping, focusing, or choosing to overlook something. Meanwhile, “目を瞑る” can reflect a more profound meaning, tied to calmness and introspection.
The Japanese language is like the deep sea; on the surface, things may seem simple, but when you explore further, you’ll uncover layers of meaning and cultural richness. If you’re curious about diving deeper into the Japanese language, why not explore the world of JPLT Online Japanese School? Our online community is open to learners worldwide, offering a wide range of courses from JLPT preparation to everyday conversation practice. Like the word “目をつぶる,” the Japanese language is full of new discoveries waiting to be made.
