How to say "glasses" in Japanese

• メガネJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for glasses: the eyeglasses you wear to see better. This is the common word you will almost always want, and it is usually written in kana alone.
  私はメガネがなくては読よめない。↗

  I cannot read without glasses.
• 眼鏡がんきょうJLPT N1approx.
  nounThe same item—glasses, eyeglasses—but the less common word: for everyday speech メガネ is what you want, and this is chiefly one to recognize rather than reach for.

Both words denote the same thing—glasses, eyeglasses—so the choice rests on commonness rather than sense: 「メガネ」 is the common word to use by default, while 眼鏡 is the less common equivalent.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• めがねglasses
• 眼鏡がんきょうglasses
• グラスglasses (eyewear)