76772
Both words mean blind. I tried doing some research but I couldn't find the
difference.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-04-23T20:25:23.630
76770
2020-04-24T16:33:33.060
570
question
word-usage
What is the difference between 盲目 and 目の不自由な？
盲目 is a more clinical term that means "blindness." 目の不自由な is a more
euphemistic, warmer phrase that you often used when talking about blind
people, especially in a non-clinical setting. English analogues might be
someone who is "optically challenged" or "vision impaired." Same meaning, but
a bit more empathetic.
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2020-04-23T21:56:18.870
76771
2020-04-23T21:56:18.870
1797
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answer
盲目の is close to "blind". It is not derogatory IMHO, but I must say it is often
sensitive because a few people dislike the 亡 ("death") component of 盲, just as
there are people who dislike
[障害](https://japanese.stackexchange.com/q/24810/5010). Although it is still
used in solemn literary contexts today, it is no longer a primary choice.

目の不自由な is more like "visually-challenged". It sounds much politer and
politically correct. In addition, 目の不自由な方 also includes those with low vision
as well as totally blind people.

Another important phrase is 視覚障害のある ("with visual impairment") or 視覚障害者
("visually impaired person"). I think this is the most neutral and safest
phrase today.
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2020-04-23T22:04:13.073
76772
2020-04-23T22:56:27.507
2020-04-23T22:56:27.507
5010
5010
76770
answer
Apart from 目の不自由な方 being more polite and politically correct it refers to the
**person** being blind whereas **盲目** is blindness itself.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-04-24T16:33:33.060
76788
2020-04-24T16:33:33.060
38684
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answer