Learning how to say “close your eyes” in Japanese can be a useful phrase to know, whether you are exploring the beautiful Japanese culture, traveling to Japan, or simply expanding your language skills. In this guide, we will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations, if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Close Your Eyes” in Japanese:
If you are in a formal setting or speaking with someone of higher status, it is important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are a few formal ways to say “close your eyes” in Japanese:
- 目を閉じてください (Me o tojite kudasai)
This is a common way to say “close your eyes” politely. The verb “閉じる (tojiru)” means “to close,” and “ください (kudasai)” is a polite form of “please.” - 目を閉じていただけますか (Me o tojite itadakemasu ka)
This phrase is even more polite than the previous one. It includes the honorific verb “いただく (itadaku),” which adds extra respect to the request. This expression is suitable for formal situations or when speaking to someone in a higher position. - お目を閉じください (O-me o tojikudasai)
The use of honorific language, denoted by the honorific prefix “お (o),” adds extra politeness to the request. This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to close their eyes.
Informal Ways to Say “Close Your Eyes” in Japanese:
If you are speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more informal language. Here are a few ways to say “close your eyes” in a casual manner:
- 目を閉じて (Me o tojite)
This is a simple and informal way to ask someone to close their eyes without using any honorific language. It is suitable for casual conversations or when speaking with someone close to you. - 目を閉じろ (Me o tojiro)
This expression is more direct and may be considered slightly rough. It is used in extremely casual situations or when speaking informally with close friends or family members.
Regional Variations:
Japanese is spoken in different regions of Japan, and there might be slight variations in the way people say “close your eyes” based on regional dialects. However, these variations are not very significant. The formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout Japan.
Tips for Pronunciation:
Pronunciation is crucial when learning any language, and Japanese is no exception. Here are some tips to help you pronounce “close your eyes” correctly:
- Remember that each letter in Japanese represents one sound, which will make pronunciation easier once you understand the basic sounds.
- In Japanese, the word “目 (me)” means “eyes.” Pronounce it like “me” in “melon.”
- The phrase “閉じて (tojite)” means “close.” Pronounce it like “toh-ji-te.”
- Pay attention to the pitch accent when pronouncing Japanese words. “Me o tojite kudasai” has a high pitch on “to” and a low pitch on “ji.”
Examples:
To help you better understand how to use these phrases in context, here are a few examples:
Example 1:
Formal: 先生、試験中は目を閉じてください。 (Sensei, shiken-chū wa me o tojite kudasai)
Translation: Teacher, please close your eyes during the exam.
Example 2:
Informal: 友達よ、サプライズをするから目を閉じて！ (Tomodachi yo, sapuraizu o suru kara me o tojite!)
Translation: Hey, friend, close your eyes because I have a surprise!
In Conclusion
Learning how to say “close your eyes” in Japanese can be a valuable addition to your language skills. Whether you use the formal or informal phrases we’ve provided, remember to consider the context and the level of politeness required. Don’t forget to practice the correct pronunciation and pitch accent for better communication. Enjoy exploring the beautiful language and culture of Japan!
