Translation guide
The English phrase "one's mind" refers to a person's thoughts, consciousness, memory, or mental state. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various words and expressions are used depending on the specific meaning. This guide covers the most common ways to express these concepts naturally.
Expressing what is on one's mind, what one is thinking, or one's mental focus.
Literally 'head', but commonly used to mean 'mind' in the sense of thoughts or mental activity. Often used in phrases like 'in one's mind' or 'on one's mind'.
彼のことが頭から離れない。
I can't get him out of my mind.
仕事のことで頭がいっぱいだ。
My mind is full of work.
Refers to the heart/mind as the seat of emotions and thoughts. Used in many expressions about mental state or inner feelings.
A broad term for spirit, mood, or mind. Often used in phrases about attention, concern, or mental state.
気が散って集中できない。
My mind is wandering and I can't concentrate.
Referring to the faculty of memory or being aware of something.
Directly means 'memory'. Used when talking about remembering or recalling something.
Expressing one's opinion, decision, or mental stance.
Means 'feeling' or 'mind' in the sense of one's opinion or inclination. Often used when asking or stating what one thinks.
Referring to one's mental health, sanity, or state of mind.
Means 'sanity' or 'right mind'. Used in phrases like 'lose one's mind' or 'out of one's mind'.
Referring to the mind's eye or the ability to visualize.
Means 'in one's mind' or 'mentally'. Used when imagining or thinking internally.
心の中で想像してみて。
Try to imagine it in your mind.
心の中で彼に謝った。
I apologized to him in my mind.
Expressing that one's mind is on something, paying attention.
English 'mind' covers many concepts. Japanese uses different words depending on context: 頭 (thoughts), 心 (heart/mind), 気 (spirit/mood), 記憶 (memory), etc. Avoid directly translating 'mind' as a single noun.
頭 (atama) is for intellectual thoughts, 心 (kokoro) for emotions and inner feelings, 気 (ki) for mood, attention, or spirit. Choose based on the nuance.
Please say what comes to your mind.
心の準備ができていない。
I'm not mentally prepared. (lit. my mind is not ready)
There's something on my mind.
その日のことは記憶にない。
I have no memory of that day. (It's not in my mind.)
記憶をたどってみた。
I searched my mind (memory).
Means 'consciousness' or 'awareness'. Used when talking about being conscious of something or losing consciousness.
彼は意識を失った。
He lost consciousness. (His mind went blank.)
その問題は意識にのぼらなかった。
The issue didn't come to mind. (I wasn't conscious of it.)
Literally 'a corner of one's head', meaning 'in the back of one's mind'.
その可能性が頭の片隅にあった。
That possibility was in the back of my mind.
あなたの気持ちを聞かせてください。
Please tell me what's on your mind. (your thoughts/feelings)
私の気持ちは決まっています。
My mind is made up.
Means 'thought' or 'idea'. Used when referring to one's opinion or what one is thinking.
彼の考えがわからない。
I don't know what's on his mind. (his thoughts)
自分の考えをはっきり言った。
I spoke my mind clearly.
Means 'will' or 'intention'. Used in formal contexts about one's resolve or decision.
彼は自分の意思を貫いた。
He stuck to his own mind (will).
彼は正気を失ったようだ。
He seems to have lost his mind.
正気の沙汰とは思えない。
I can't believe he's in his right mind.
Literally 'one's mind becomes strange', meaning to go crazy or lose one's mind.
気が変になりそうだ。
I feel like I'm losing my mind.
Literally 'head is strange', meaning 'out of one's mind' or 'crazy'.
そんなことをするなんて、頭がおかしいんじゃないか。
You must be out of your mind to do such a thing.
Literally 'inside one's head', meaning 'in one's mind' when visualizing or thinking.
頭の中で絵を描く。
I draw a picture in my mind.
Means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention'. Literally 'to attach one's mind'.
足元に気をつけて。
Mind your step.
言葉遣いに気をつけなさい。
Mind your language.
Formal expression meaning 'to pay attention' or 'to give one's mind to'.
細部に注意を払ってください。
Please pay attention to the details. (Keep your mind on the details.)