Translation guide
Hypersensitivity refers to an exaggerated or excessive reaction to stimuli, whether physical, emotional, or sensory. In Japanese, the most common and versatile term is 過敏 (kabin), often used in compounds. This guide covers medical, psychological, and everyday uses.
To describe an abnormally heightened sensitivity to physical stimuli, allergens, or medical conditions.
The most direct and common translation for 'hypersensitivity'. Used in medical and general contexts. Often appears in compounds like 過敏症 (hypersensitivity disorder) or 過敏反応 (hypersensitivity reaction).
彼は花粉に対して過敏だ。
He is hypersensitive to pollen.
皮膚の過敏反応が出た。
I had a hypersensitivity reaction on my skin.
Specifically means 'hypersensitivity disorder' or 'hypersensitivity condition'. Used in medical diagnoses.
過敏症の治療法はありますか？
Is there a treatment for hypersensitivity?
While technically 'allergy', it is often used in everyday language to describe hypersensitivity to substances. Note: アレルギー implies an immune response, whereas 過敏 is broader.
私は猫アレルギーです。
I am allergic (hypersensitive) to cats.
To describe being overly sensitive to criticism, emotions, or social cues.
Means 'sensitive' and can imply hypersensitivity in emotional contexts. Often used with すぎる (too much) to emphasize excess. More common for emotional sensitivity than 過敏.
彼女は批判に敏感すぎる。
She is too hypersensitive to criticism.
敏感な人はストレスを感じやすい。
Hypersensitive people tend to feel stress easily.
Literally 'to react hypersensitively'. Used for emotional overreactions.
彼は冗談に過敏に反応した。
He reacted hypersensitively to the joke.
To describe being overly sensitive to sensory input, often associated with conditions like autism or migraine.
Attach 過敏 to a sensory noun to indicate hypersensitivity to that sense. Common compounds: 光過敏 (photosensitivity), 音過敏 (hyperacusis), 触覚過敏 (tactile hypersensitivity).
彼は光過敏で、強い光が苦手だ。
He has photosensitivity and dislikes bright lights.
音過敏のため、大きな音を避けている。
Because of sound hypersensitivity, I avoid loud noises.
General term for sensory hypersensitivity, often used in medical or therapeutic contexts.
感覚過敏の子どもは特定の服を嫌がる。
Children with sensory hypersensitivity dislike certain clothes.
To describe a person who is naturally more sensitive to stimuli and emotions, often in a positive or neutral sense.
The English acronym 'HSP' (Highly Sensitive Person) is widely recognized in Japanese self-help and psychology contexts. Often used as a loanword.
私はHSPかもしれません。
I might be an HSP (hypersensitive person).
A straightforward description: 'a very sensitive person'. Can be used when the HSP concept is not known.
彼女はとても敏感な人で、人の気持ちをよく理解する。
She is a very hypersensitive person and understands others' feelings well.
過敏 (kabin) implies an abnormal or excessive sensitivity, often medical. 敏感 (binkan) simply means 'sensitive' and can be positive or neutral. To express 'hypersensitivity' emotionally, 敏感すぎる is more natural than 過敏 alone.
肌が過敏になっている。
My skin is hypersensitive (medical).
彼は敏感で優しい。
He is sensitive and kind (not necessarily hypersensitive).
While 超敏感 (chō-binkan) might seem like a direct translation, it is not standard and sounds awkward. Stick to 過敏 or 敏感すぎる.
Describes a nervous, high-strung, or overly sensitive temperament. Often used for someone who is easily upset or worried.
彼は小さなことにも神経質だ。
He is hypersensitive even about small things.