Japanese meaning of 鬼の目にも涙
Reading:
おにのめにもなみだ (Oni no me ni mo namida)
English Translation:
Even the hardest heart can be moved / Even ogres shed tears
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Even the toughest or most cold-hearted person can sometimes show kindness or emotion. This proverb uses the image of an ogre shedding tears to remind us that everyone, no matter how strong, has a softer side.
どんなに強そうな人や冷徹に見える人でも、時には心を動かされて涙を流すことがある、というたとえです。鬼ですら感情を持つというイメージから、人間味の大切さも説いています。
Cultural Context:
Uses Japanese mythical creatures to show extremes of emotion.
日本独自の神話的存在を感情表現に使うのが特徴。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses "にも" to emphasize even unlikely subjects.
Trap for English Speakers
Not about real ogres; "oni" is a metaphor for strong or cruel people.
Example
Basic Example
普段は厳しい上司が、部下の退職スピーチで鬼の目にも涙を見せた。
Even the strictest boss can be moved to tears during a farewell speech — even ogres shed tears.
Applied Example
冷酷と呼ばれた将軍が、部下の最期を見て拳を震わせた。鬼の目にも涙だ。
The general known for his ruthlessness trembled at the sight of his soldier’s last moments — even ogres shed tears.