目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなる

めがしらがあつくなる
expression
to be moved to tears; to feel tears welling up
emotion
1. to be moved to tears; to feel tears welling up
Literally 'the inner corners of one's eyes become hot.' Describes the physical sensation of being on the verge of tears due to being deeply moved, touched, or emotionally stirred. More restrained than actually crying.
その話(はなし)を聞(き)いて目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなった。
I was moved to tears hearing that story.
卒業式(そつぎょうしき)で生徒(せいと)たちの歌(うた)を聞(き)いて目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなった。
I felt tears welling up when I heard the students sing at the graduation ceremony.
長年(ながねん)離(はな)れていた親子(おやこ)が再会(さいかい)する場面(ばめん)では、思(おも)わず目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなる。
In scenes where a parent and child who have been apart for years are reunited, you can't help but feel tears welling up.

Usage

This expression describes the moment just before tears come — the physical warmth felt at the inner corners of the eyes. It conveys being deeply moved without necessarily crying. Often used with 思(おも)わず (involuntarily) to emphasize the spontaneous nature of the emotion.

Common collocations

  • 思(おも)わず目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなる (to involuntarily feel tears welling up)
  • 目頭(めがしら)が熱(あつ)くなる場面(ばめん) (a scene that moves one to tears)

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 胸(むね)が熱(あつ)くなる (one's heart is moved)
general
Added 2026.3.20 15:40 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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