脳
nō[no̞ː]
The Japanese word for brain is 脳 (nō). If unsure, use 脳. Wiktionary also lists 脳髄 (nōzui) and 頭脳 (zunō).
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 脳 | nō | [no̞ː] (narrow) [na̠zɨkʲi] (narrow) |
| 脳髄 | nōzui | [no̞ːzɨi] (narrow) |
| 頭脳 | zunō | [d͡zɨno̞ː] (narrow) |
脳 is the standard term used in medical, scientific and everyday contexts to refer to the biological organ.
Which one should you use?
While 脳 refers to the physical organ, 頭脳 is used metaphorically to refer to a person's intellect, wits or the 'brains' of an operation. In contrast, 脳髄 is a more technical or visceral term often used to refer specifically to the brain matter or the substance within the skull.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
nō
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts, 脳 is combined with other words to create 'brain' types, such as 筋肉脳 (muscle brain) to describe someone who relies on strength over thought.
- In Japanese pop culture, the term 脳内 (inside the brain) is often used to describe 'imaginary' scenarios or fantasies that someone is playing out in their head.
- When describing someone as a 'genius', Japanese speakers often use 頭脳明晰 to describe a 'clear' or 'lucid' brain.
Examples in context
- 脳の構造は複雑だ。The structure of the brain is complicated.This sentence is useful for describing the complexity of the structure of the 脳.Tatoeba #121722 by KK_kaku_, translation #282283 by Luornu
- 脳は頭の中にある。The brain is inside the head.This sentence is useful for stating the location of the 脳.Tatoeba #9821276 by small_snow, translation #9687235 by DJ_Saidez
- トムは脳外科医だ。Tom is a brain surgeon.This sentence is useful for identifying a professional who works with the 脳.Tatoeba #11527042 by bunbuku, translation #9381094 by CK
- 脳（のう）は人間の最も重要な器官です。The brain is the most important organ in humans.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing a science documentary.
- 陽太 Yota脳の仕組みについて、もっと知りたいな。Nō no shikumi ni tsuite, motto shiritai na.I want to know more about how the brain works.
- 美咲 Misakiあの本に脳の画像がたくさん載っていたよ。Ano hon ni nō no gazō ga takusan notte ita yo.That book had a lot of images of the brain in it.
- 陽太 Yota本当？その本を貸してくれる？Hontō? Sono hon o kashite kureru?Really? Can you lend me that book?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。明日持ってくるね。Ii yo. Ashita motte kuru ne.Sure. I'll bring it tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain” translations and entries 脳, 脳髄, 頭脳, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
