Japanese word

視力

Pronunciation

Romajishiryoku

Meaning

  • nouneyesight

Example

最近、視力が落ちました。sai kin shi ryoku ga o chi ma shi ta

My eyesight has gotten worse recently.

Illustration for 視力 (eyesight)

More examples

スマートフォンを長時間見ても、視力がすぐに落ちるとは限りません。su mā to fo n o chō ji kan mi te mo shi ryoku ga su gu ni o chi ru to wa kagi ri ma se n

Even if you look at a smartphone for a long time, your eyesight does not necessarily get worse right away.

Core concept

Describes how clearly the eyes can distinguish shapes and details.

Common phrases

  • 視力が悪いshi ryoku ga waru i

    have poor eyesight

  • 視力がいいshi ryoku ga i i

    have good eyesight

  • 視力が落ちるshi ryoku ga o chi ru

    eyesight gets worse

  • 視力を測るshi ryoku o haka ru

    have one's eyesight tested

Similar words

視覚shikaku: The ability of the eyes to perceive visible forms, colors, and details.

Definition in Japanese

目で物の形や細部をはっきり見分ける能力。me de mono no katachi ya sai bu o ha kki ri mi wa ke ru nō ryoku

Word origin

視力 (shiryoku) combines 視 (shi, "seeing") and 力 (ryoku, "power"), forming a Sino-Japanese compound for the power of seeing.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, eyesight often means general ability to see, while visual acuity more specifically refers to measured sharpness in an eye test.

Other meanings

  • visual acuitynoun

Word lists with this word