近視

• Reading: きんし
• Romaji: kinshi
• Kanji breakdown: 近 (kin) — near, close; 視 (shi) — to see, vision
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.ɕi/

Meaning

Nearsightedness; myopia. A condition where distant objects appear blurry.

A noun used in medical and everyday contexts. 近視 refers to the eye condition where close objects are seen clearly but distant ones are blurred. It is contrasted with 遠視 (farsightedness). Common expressions include 近視になる (to become nearsighted) and 近視の人 (a nearsighted person). Not to be confused with the homophone 禁止 (prohibition).

Examples

1. 小学生のときから近視でメガネをかけている。 I've been nearsighted and wearing glasses since elementary school.
2. スマホの使いすぎで近視が進んでいる。 Excessive smartphone use is making nearsightedness worse.
3. 近視がひどくなったので、新しいメガネを作った。 My nearsightedness got so bad that I had to get new glasses.

Usage Guide

Context: health, daily life, optometry

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 近 (near, close) and 視 (to see, vision). Together they literally mean near vision, describing the condition of only seeing clearly at close range.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal