Translation guide
The English word 'mental' covers a range of meanings related to the mind, thinking, and psychological states. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent. The best translation depends on whether you mean 'of the mind' (as opposed to physical), 'intellectual', 'psychological/emotional', or 'crazy' (slang). This guide helps you choose the right expression for each context.
Describing something as existing in or relating to the mind, as opposed to the body or physical world.
The most common and general adjective meaning 'mental' or 'psychological'. Used for health, states, and abstract concepts.
精神的な健康は身体の健康と同じくらい大切です。
Mental health is as important as physical health.
He felt mental fatigue.
Literally 'of the heart/mind'. Softer and more emotional than 精神的な. Often used for inner feelings, mental images, or emotional well-being.
心の準備ができていない。
I'm not mentally prepared.
それは心の問題だ。
That's a mental issue.
Loanword from English, often used in compounds like メンタルヘルス (mental health) or メンタルが強い (mentally strong). Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
メンタルが弱っている。
My mental state is weak.
メンタルトレーニングをしている。
I'm doing mental training.
Referring to mental activities like thinking, calculating, or reasoning.
Means 'intellectual' or 'cognitive'. Used for mental abilities, activities, or pursuits.
チェスは知的なゲームだ。
Chess is a mental game.
知的な刺激が必要だ。
I need mental stimulation.
Literally 'of the head'. Colloquial for mental or intellectual, often used in phrases like 頭の体操 (mental exercise).
頭の回転が速い。
He has quick mental reflexes.
これは頭の体操になる。
This is good mental exercise.
Can also be used for intellectual or cognitive aspects, but often overlaps with psychological. Less precise than 知的な for purely intellectual contexts.
Describing states, disorders, or aspects related to psychology and emotions.
Specifically 'psychological'. Used in clinical, academic, or formal contexts.
心理的な問題を抱えている。
He has mental problems.
心理的なプレッシャーに弱い。
I'm weak against mental pressure.
Overlaps with psychological, but broader. Commonly used for mental illness or emotional strain.
精神的な病気
mental illness
Casual term for mental/emotional state. Often used in self-help or sports contexts.
Informal use of 'mental' to mean crazy, irrational, or extremely foolish.
Literally 'head is strange'. Common way to say someone is crazy or mentally unstable. Can be offensive.
あいつは頭がおかしい。
That guy is mental.
Slang for 'crazy' or 'insane'. Often used for wild behavior or broken things.
そのアイデアはイカれてる。
That idea is mental.
Means 'insane' or 'mad'. Stronger and more negative than 頭がおかしい.
彼は完全に狂ってる。
He's completely mental.
Referring to calculations or processes performed mentally without external aids.
The English word 'mental' cannot always be directly translated as メンタル or 精神的. For example, 'mental note' is not 精神的なメモ but 心のメモ or simply 覚えておく (to keep in mind). Always consider the specific meaning first.
精神的 (seishinteki) is broad, covering mind/spirit vs. body. 心理的 (shinriteki) is specifically psychological/emotional. 知的 (chiteki) is intellectual/cognitive. Choose based on whether you mean mental health, mental processes, or mental abilities.
精神的な労働
mental labor
メンタルをやられた。
I was mentally broken.