Translation and Meaning of: 近眼 - kingan

The Japanese word 近眼[きんがん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will understand how this expression is socially perceived and if there are curiosities or tips that can facilitate your learning.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese refer to vision problems or which are common in ophthalmology clinics, 近眼 is a key word. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations, so let's get straight to the point without beating around the bush.

Meaning and usage of 近眼

Myopia [近眼] means "nearsightedness" in Japanese, referring to the difficulty of seeing distant objects clearly. It is a medical term, but it also appears in informal conversations when someone comments on vision problems. For example, it is common to hear sentences like "近眼だからメガネが必要だ" (Kin’gan dakara megane ga hitsuyō da) – "Since I have myopia, I need glasses."

Although it is a technical term, it does not sound overly formal. The Japanese use it naturally, just as in Portuguese we say "myopia" without needing circumlocutions. It is worth noting that, in medical contexts, 近視[きんし] is also used, which has the same meaning but with a more clinical tone.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 近眼 comes from the combination of the kanjis 近 (kin/chikai), which means "near," and 眼 (gan/me), which represents "eye." Together, they form the idea of "an eye that can only see close," a direct description of myopia. This logical construction aids memorization, as the characters literally reflect the meaning of the word.

It is interesting to note that, differently from some Western medical derived from Greek or Latin, Japanese often creates descriptive words using kanjis. This pattern appears in other related , such as 遠視[えんし] (hyperopia), which follows the same logic but with the kanji for "far" (遠).

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, discussing vision problems is not a taboo, and 近眼 appears in various contexts, from medical consultations to everyday jokes about forgetting glasses. The word is not rare, but it is also not among the most common in the language, primarily appearing when the topic is eye health or accessories like lenses and frames.

A relevant curiosity is that, with the increased use of screens, myopia has become a more frequently discussed topic in Japan, as well as in other countries. Reports and public debates often mention 近眼 when discussing the effects of technology on vision, especially among children and young people. This shows how the term is connected to current discussions beyond the purely medical field.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 近視 (kinshi) - Myopia, a condition where close objects are seen clearly, while distant ones appear blurry.
• 短視 (tanshi) - Short-sightedness can refer to a limited perspective, but it is also used in a context similar to myopia.
• ミオピア (miopia) - Technical term for myopia, referring to the difficulty in seeing distant objects.