盲・瞽|めくらmekura[3]odaka (tail-high)

Common
Which spelling to use
盲盲 is the most common written form and the recommended default for beginners; use it when you need to write this word.
瞽瞽 is a rarely used kanji-only written form of this word, so learners will seldom encounter it and should normally choose 盲 instead.
Definitions
  1. no-adjectiveblindness; blind person
  2. nounilliteracy; illiterate person
  3. nounignorance; ignorant person
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym失明しつめいNeutralRefers to losing one's eyesight, not to a blind person. 「盲」covers the state of being unable to see or such a person, and is now a discriminatory term to avoid.
  • Synonym盲目もうもくWrittenWritten/formal prose: literally the state of being unable to see, but mostly figurative for lacking rational judgment, as in 「盲目的な愛」; 「盲」is now inappropriate.
  • Related盲人もうじんNeutralA relatively neutral word for a blind person, though people now usually say 「目の不自由な人」or 「視覚障害者」. 「盲」is even less appropriate.
  • Related盲者もうしゃFormalFormal written term for a blind person, rarely used. 「盲」carries a discriminatory nuance.

「盲」is now a discriminatory term and best avoided. For a blind person say 「目の不自由な人」or 「視覚障害者」; for losing sight use 「失明」; for figurative lack of judgment use 「盲目的」.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 目めが見みえないこと。また、その人ひと。
  2. 字じが読よめない人ひと。文盲ぶんもう。
  3. 物事ものごとをよく考かんがえないこと。また、その人ひと。
  4. 管かんやケーブルの片側かたがわがふさがれた状態じょうたいになっていること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

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