Translation guide
A clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior. This guide helps learners express the concept naturally in Japanese, from clinical terms to everyday expressions.
The standard, neutral term for a mental disorder, used in medical, psychological, and everyday contexts.
The most common and formal term for 'mental disorder'. Used in official diagnoses, medical contexts, and general discussion.
彼は精神障害と診断された。
He was diagnosed with a mental disorder.
精神障害に対する偏見をなくすことが大切です。
It's important to eliminate prejudice against mental disorders.
A softer, more general expression meaning 'mental health problem'. Common in everyday conversation and media.
最近、メンタルヘルスの問題を抱える人が増えている。
Recently, the number of people with mental health problems has been increasing.
Literally 'illness of the heart/mind'. A somewhat literary or empathetic term, often used in self-help or awareness contexts.
心の病は誰にでも起こり得る。
Mental illness can happen to anyone.
Referring to particular types of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Casual ways to refer to mental health struggles, often used among friends or in pop culture.
Slang meaning 'one's mental health is wrecked' or 'to be mentally broken'. Used for temporary stress or burnout.
仕事が忙しすぎてメンタルがやられた。
Work was so busy that my mental health took a hit.
Literally 'one's heart breaks'. Means to lose motivation or spirit due to mental strain.
何度も失敗して心が折れた。
After failing many times, I lost heart.
Slang verb meaning 'to be mentally unwell' or 'to be depressed'. Often used online.
Can sound flippant or self-deprecating. Not appropriate in serious contexts.
最近ずっと病んでる。
I've been feeling really down lately.
Describing someone who has a mental disorder, with attention to politeness and sensitivity.
Person-first language: 'a person with a mental disorder'. Considered respectful.
精神障害のある人への支援が必要です。
Support for people with mental disorders is necessary.
Legal/administrative term: 'person with a mental disability'. Can sound clinical or impersonal.
May carry stigma in casual use. Prefer person-first phrasing in sensitive contexts.
精神障害者保健福祉手帳を取得する。
Obtain a mental disability health and welfare certificate.
Words like 気違い (きちがい, 'crazy') or 精神病 (せいしんびょう, 'mental illness' in a narrow sense) are now considered derogatory or outdated. Use 精神障害 or specific diagnostic terms instead.
The loanword メンタル is widely used in compounds like メンタルヘルス (mental health), メンタルケア (mental care), and メンタルが強い/弱い (mentally strong/weak). It's a safe, modern choice in casual and semi-formal contexts.
彼女は何年も精神障害に苦しんでいる。
She has been struggling with a mental disorder for years.
精神障害は人々が思っているより一般的です。
Mental disorders are more common than people think.
Clinical term for 'anxiety disorder'.
不安障害には様々な種類があります。
There are various types of anxiety disorders.
Clinical term for 'schizophrenia'.
統合失調症の症状は人によって異なります。
Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person.
Clinical term for 'bipolar disorder'. Formerly called 躁うつ病 (そううつびょう).
双極性障害は気分の波が特徴です。
Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings.
Umbrella term for 'developmental disorders', including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
発達障害は子供だけでなく大人にも見られます。
Developmental disorders are seen not only in children but also in adults.