(なみだめ)

なみだめ
noun
teary eyes; watery eyes
1. teary eyes; watery eyes
Eyes brimming with tears — from emotion, cold wind, irritation, or laughter — without active crying.
涙目(なみだめ)になる。
To get teary-eyed.
(たま)ねぎを()って涙目(なみだめ)になった。
Cutting onions made my eyes water.
(つめ)たい(かぜ)()たって涙目(なみだめ)のまま(かえ)ってきた。
I came home with watery eyes after being out in the cold wind.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 涙目(なみだめ)になる: to become teary-eyed
  • 涙目(なみだめ)(うった)える: to plead with tears in one's eyes

NUANCE:
Refers to eyes that are merely welling up or moist, not active crying. It can describe a physical reaction — cold, onions, allergies — as well as an emotional one.