What is the difference between 盲目 and 目の不自由な？


Both words mean blind. I tried doing some research but I couldn't find the
difference.




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.




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.

