Translation guide
This English phrase can mean going crazy, becoming extremely upset, or losing mental clarity. Japanese has different expressions depending on the nuance: temporary emotional outburst, mental breakdown, or literal insanity.
Expressing that someone is so angry, worried, or overwhelmed that they can't think straight or act rationally.
Literally 'it comes to the head', meaning to get angry or lose one's temper. Often used when someone is so mad they can't think clearly.
彼の態度には本当に頭にくる。
His attitude really makes me lose my mind.
Means to be so upset or flustered that you lose your composure. Often used in situations of shock or panic.
事故の知らせを聞いて気が動転した。
I lost my mind when I heard about the accident.
Directly means 'to panic'. Used when someone loses control due to fear or stress.
試験中にパニックになって、何も書けなかった。
I lost my mind during the exam and couldn't write anything.
Describing a serious loss of sanity, often in a clinical or dramatic sense.
Literally 'one's mind goes mad'. A strong expression for going insane. Can be used seriously or hyperbolically.
Can sound harsh or dramatic. Use with care.
そんなことを言うなんて、気が狂ったのか。
Have you lost your mind, saying something like that?
Means 'to lose one's sanity' or 'to lose one's right mind'. More formal and descriptive.
彼はショックで正気を失ったようだ。
He seems to have lost his mind from the shock.
Literally 'one's head becomes strange'. A common, slightly casual way to say someone is going crazy.
こんなに働いたら頭がおかしくなりそう。
I'm going to lose my mind if I keep working like this.
Describing behavior that is out of character, often due to excitement, love, or stress.
Literally 'to forget oneself'. Means to lose self-control, often in a passionate or absorbed state.
彼女は怒りのあまり我を忘れた。
She lost her mind in anger.
Means 'to lose one's reason'. Used when someone acts irrationally, often in a formal context.
彼は恐怖で理性を失った。
He lost his mind from fear.
気が狂う is stronger and more direct, often implying clinical insanity. 頭がおかしくなる is more casual and can be used for temporary stress or frustration.
気が狂ったように叫んだ。
He screamed as if he had lost his mind.
仕事が多すぎて頭がおかしくなりそう。
I have so much work I feel like I'm losing my mind.
The literal translation '心を失う' (こころをうしなう) is not natural Japanese for this meaning. It would be interpreted as losing one's heart/spirit, not going crazy.