Translation guide
This phrase has two main meanings: (1) to regain consciousness after fainting or being unconscious, and (2) to start thinking or behaving reasonably after a period of confusion, irrationality, or poor judgment. The Japanese expressions differ depending on which meaning you intend.
To wake up after fainting, being knocked out, or being unconscious.
The most direct and common way to say 'regain consciousness'. Used in medical contexts and everyday situations.
彼は数分後に意識を取り戻した。
He came to his senses after a few minutes.
Literally 'return to sanity/consciousness'. Can be used for regaining consciousness, but also for coming back to one's right mind. Slightly more literary or dramatic.
To stop acting foolishly, irrationally, or unrealistically and begin to think or behave sensibly.
Use 意識を取り戻す for physical recovery of consciousness (medical, fainting). Use 我に返る for snapping out of a mental daze, distraction, or emotional state. 正気に戻る can be used in both senses but leans toward the mental/figurative side.
事故の後、彼はすぐに意識を取り戻した。
After the accident, he quickly came to his senses (regained consciousness).
彼女の叫び声で我に返った。
Her scream brought me to my senses (snapped me out of my daze).
Do not translate 'come to one's senses' literally as 感覚に来る or similar. That would be nonsensical in Japanese. Always use the appropriate idiomatic expression based on context.
彼女はようやく正気に戻った。
She finally came to her senses.
Literally 'to open one's eyes', meaning 'to wake up'. Can be used for regaining consciousness from a faint, but more commonly means waking from sleep. Context will clarify.
気を失っていたが、すぐに目を覚ました。
I had fainted, but I quickly came to my senses.
Literally 'return to oneself'. Used when someone snaps out of a daze, distraction, or emotional state and becomes aware of their surroundings or situation. Very common for 'come to one's senses' in the figurative sense.
彼の言葉で我に返った。
His words brought me to my senses.
我に返って、自分が何をしていたか気づいた。
I came to my senses and realized what I had been doing.
Also used for the figurative meaning: to return to a sane or rational state of mind. Often used when someone has been acting crazy or making bad decisions.
正気に戻って考え直したほうがいい。
You should come to your senses and think again.
Literally 'eyes open', but figuratively means to be disillusioned or to wake up to reality. Often used when someone realizes the truth after being deceived or overly optimistic.
彼の裏切りで目が覚めた。
His betrayal made me come to my senses.
Literally 'regain discretion/good judgment'. A more formal or literary expression for coming to one's senses in terms of making wise decisions.
彼はようやく分別を取り戻した。
He finally came to his senses.
「感覚に来る」とは言わない。
You don't say 'kankaku ni kuru'.
「感覚に来る」とは言わない。
You don't say 'kankaku ni kuru'.