Proverbs
Japanese meaning of 目は口ほどに物を言う
Voice sample:
めはくちほどにものをいう (Me wa kuchi hodo ni mono wo iu)
English Translation:
The eyes speak as much as the mouth / Eyes say more than words
Scene: Confession Chat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Your eyes show your feelings as clearly as words do.
日本語で読む
目つきは、言葉と同じくらい気持ちを相手に伝えるという意味。
Cultural Context:
It may also be used about love, when someone's eyes show their feelings.
日本語で読む
恋愛で、目に気持ちが表れている場面などに使うこともあります。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
ほど means "as much as," so 口ほどに means "as much as the mouth."
日本語で読む
「ほど」は程度を表し、「口ほどに」は「口と同じくらいに」という意味です。
Trap for English Speakers
物を言う here means "to speak" or "to express," not "to say a thing."
日本語で読む
「物を言う」は「物について話す」ではなく、「話す、気持ちを伝える」という意味です。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
口では「平気」と言ってたけど、目が泣きそうだった。目は口ほどに物を言うね。
She said "I'm fine," but her eyes looked like she was about to cry. Eyes say more than words.
Example 2Applied Example
捕らえられた忍びは何も話さなかったが、その目は主君を守る覚悟を語っていた。目は口ほどに物を言う。
The captured ninja said nothing, but his eyes told of his resolve to protect his lord. The eyes speak as much as the mouth.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「目は口ほどに物を言う」 mean?