Translation guide
The English word 'unconscious' can refer to a medical state of being knocked out, a psychological state of unawareness, or an automatic action done without thinking. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing a person who is unconscious due to injury, illness, or anesthesia.
The most common and neutral term for being unconscious in a medical context. Often used in news reports and formal situations.
彼は事故で意識不明の状態です。
He is unconscious due to the accident.
意識不明の患者が運ばれてきた。
An unconscious patient was brought in.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'has no consciousness'. Slightly more casual than 意識不明, but still widely used.
彼女はまだ意識がありません。
She is still unconscious.
Refers specifically to fainting or losing consciousness temporarily. Often used for sudden, short-term unconsciousness.
暑さで気絶した。
I fainted from the heat.
Means 'coma' or deep unconsciousness. Used in serious medical contexts.
昏睡状態に陥った。
He fell into a coma.
Describing a lack of awareness about one's own feelings, motives, or surroundings.
The standard translation for 'unconscious' in psychology. Used as an adjective modifying a noun.
無意識の偏見
unconscious bias
彼の行動は無意識のうちに行われた。
His actions were performed unconsciously.
Literally 'not noticing'. Used when someone is unaware of a specific fact or situation. More casual and concrete than 無意識.
彼は危険に気づいていなかった。
He was unconscious of the danger.
Means 'lacking self-awareness' or 'not realizing' something about oneself. Often used for negative traits.
彼は自分の欠点に自覚がない。
He is unconscious of his own faults.
Describing an action that is habitual or reflexive, not requiring conscious thought.
Adverbial form meaning 'unconsciously' or 'without thinking'. Used for automatic behaviors.
彼は無意識に指を鳴らす癖がある。
He has an unconscious habit of cracking his knuckles.
無意識にうなずいていた。
I was nodding unconsciously.
Literally 'without thinking'. More casual and direct than 無意識に.
考えずに答えてしまった。
I answered unconsciously.
Means 'reflexively'. Used when the action is an automatic physical response.
熱いものに触れて反射的に手を引っ込めた。
I unconsciously pulled my hand back after touching something hot.
無意識 (muishiki) is for psychological or automatic unconsciousness. 意識不明 (ishiki fumei) is for medical unconsciousness. 気絶 (kizetsu) is for fainting or temporary loss of consciousness. Do not use 無意識 for a medical emergency.
彼は無意識に嘘をついた。
He told a lie unconsciously.
事故で意識不明になった。
He became unconscious due to the accident.
彼女は気絶した。
She fainted.