コンタクトをしている
kontakuto o shite iru
The phrase "wearing contacts" in Japanese is コンタクトをしている (kontakuto o shite iru).
This phrase is used to describe the act of using contact lenses to correct vision or to change eye color. In daily conversation, Japanese speakers almost always shorten the full term コンタクトレンズ (contact lens) to just コンタクト.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "is doing contact". Here, kontakuto is a shortening of "contact lens" and shite iru means "is doing" or "is wearing".
Which one should you use?
While コンタクトをしている is common in casual settings, you can be more precise or formal by using the full word kontakuto renzu and the verb tsukete iru (to attach/put on), resulting in コンタクトレンズをつけている.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite for use with strangers or superiors, change the ending from shite iru to shite imasu, resulting in コンタクトをしています.
How do you pronounce it?
kontakuto o shite iru
Did you know?
- The term kontakuto is an example of 'wasei eigo', or Japanese-made English. Although it sounds like English, it is a localized abbreviation that follows Japanese phonology and is used differently than a native English speaker would use the word 'contact'.
- The slang term カラコン (karakon) is specifically used to distinguish fashion-based colored lenses from those used for vision correction.
- The verb つける used in コンタクトレンズをつけている is the same verb used for attaching a sticker or putting on a piece of jewelry, highlighting the 'attachment' aspect of the lens.
Examples in context
- 会議に出席するためにコンタクトレンズを装着しました。I wore contact lenses to attend the meeting.
- 医師の指示に従ってコンタクトレンズを使用しています。I am using contact lenses as instructed by my doctor.
- 今日はメガネじゃなくて、コンタクトをしているよ。Today, I'm not wearing glasses, I have contacts on.
- 今日はコンタクトをしている。Kyō wa kontakuto o shite iru.I am wearing contacts today.
- 彼女はいつもコンタクトをしている。Kanojo wa itsumo kontakuto o shite iru.She is always wearing contacts.
- 仕事の時はコンタクトをしている。Shigoto no toki wa kontakuto o shite iru.I wear contacts when I'm at work.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about eye care in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui健太君はコンタクトをしているの？Kenta-kun wa kontakuto o shite iru no?Kenta, do you wear contacts?
- 健太 Kentaうん、コンタクトをしているよ。Un, kontakuto o shite iru yo.Yeah, I wear contacts.
- 結衣 Yui目が疲れない？Me ga tsukarenai?Don't your eyes get tired?
- 健太 Kenta少しね。Sukoshi ne.A little bit.
