Translation guide
The state of being awake and aware, or the awareness of one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through several words and phrases depending on the nuance.
The basic state of not being unconscious or asleep.
The most common and general term for consciousness, covering both the medical state and psychological awareness.
彼はまだ意識がある。
He is still conscious.
事故の後、彼女は意識を失った。
After the accident, she lost consciousness.
Specifically means 'to regain consciousness'.
数分後、彼は意識が戻った。
After a few minutes, he regained consciousness.
Being mindful or cognizant of something, often used in social or personal contexts.
Used for awareness of issues, often combined with nouns to form compounds like 環境意識 (environmental awareness).
健康意識が高まっている。
Health consciousness is increasing.
彼は社会問題に対する意識が低い。
He has low awareness of social issues.
Self-awareness or consciousness of one's own situation, responsibilities, or condition. Often used for personal realization.
Recognition or awareness, often used for understanding or perceiving a situation or fact.
Awareness of oneself as an individual, often with a nuance of embarrassment or introspection.
Self-consciousness, often implying excessive awareness of oneself in social situations.
彼女は自意識過剰だ。
She is overly self-conscious.
Self-consciousness in a psychological sense, referring to awareness of one's own mental states.
The set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.
Direct translation of 'collective consciousness', used in sociology and philosophy.
集合意識は社会をまとめる役割を果たす。
Collective consciousness plays a role in unifying society.
意識 (ishiki) is the broadest term for consciousness or awareness. 自覚 (jikaku) emphasizes self-awareness or realization of one's own condition. 認識 (ninshiki) is more about cognitive recognition or understanding of external facts.
English uses 'consciousness' in many abstract ways. In Japanese, it's often more natural to use specific terms like 意識, 自覚, or 認識 depending on the nuance. For example, 'political consciousness' is 政治意識 (seiji ishiki), not a literal translation of 'consciousness' alone.
He is not conscious of his own mistake.
病気の自覚がある。
I am aware that I am ill.
問題の重要性を認識する必要がある。
We need to be conscious of the importance of the problem.
自己意識の発達は幼児期に始まる。
The development of self-consciousness begins in infancy.