Translation and Meaning of: 近視 - kinshi

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about medical terms in the language, you have likely come across the word 近視[きんし]. It is used to describe a common condition, but it often raises questions about its spelling, pronunciation, and context of use. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how this word is perceived in Japan, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

Myopia [きんし] is a term that frequently appears in ophthalmology offices, animes, and even in everyday conversations in Japan. If you want to understand how to use it in sentences or find out why it is written with these specific kanji, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our dictionary provides detailed explanations to help you master Japanese vocabulary in a practical way.

The meaning and origin of 近視[きんし]

The word 近視[きんし] means "myopia." It is composed of two kanjis: 近 (kin/chikai), which indicates "close," and 視 (shi/miru), which relates to "vision." Together, these characters form the idea of "seeing closely," a direct description of the condition where a person sees nearby objects clearly but has difficulty with distant ones.

The term has its origins in classical Chinese, just like many other medical vocabulary in Japanese. The combination of these kanji is not random – it reflects a literal description of myopia, something common in the formation of technical words in Japan. Although there are other terms for vision problems, such as 遠視[えんし] (hyperopia), 近視 is one of the most commonly used in everyday life.

How 近視 is used in everyday Japanese life

In Japan, 近視 is a well-known word, especially among students and professionals who spend long hours reading or in front of screens. Phrases like "近視が進んだ" (my myopia has worsened) or "近視用のメガネ" (glasses for myopia) are common in medical consultations and specialized shops. Japanese society, which values education and detailed work, has a close relationship with this term.

In addition to medical use, the word appears in more informal contexts. In animes and dramas, for example, characters who wear glasses often mention 近視 to explain their visual condition. Familiarity with the term makes it easily recognizable, even to those who do not study Japanese deeply.

Tips for memorizing 近視[きんし]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis with their meaning. 近 (near) + 視 (vision) form "near vision," which is exactly what myopia represents. This logic helps to retain not only the reading but also the correct writing of the characters. Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "私は近視です" (I have myopia), to reinforce the natural use of the term.

Interestingly, the word 近視 is often confused with 近所[きんじょ] (neighborhood) by beginners, due to the similarity in reading. Paying attention to the second kanji and the context of the sentence can help avoid this mistake. If you are already familiar with the radical 見 (to see), found in 視, it becomes easier to distinguish it from other similar words.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 近眼 (Kin'en) - myopia
• 短視 (Tanshi) - Near vision, myopia
• 短眼 (Tangan) - Less common term to refer to myopia

近視

Romaji: kinshi
Kana: きんし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: myopia

Meaning in English: shortsightedness

Definition: A state where you cannot see things clearly. One of the abnormalities of visual acuity.

Example Sentences - (近視) kinshi

See below some example sentences:

私は近視です。

Watashi wa kinshi desu

I am myopic.

I am myopia.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 近視 (kinshi) - noun meaning "myopia"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of stating something