めまいがする
memai ga suru
The English phrase "dizzy" is expressed in Japanese as めまいがする (memai ga suru).
You can also use the informal onomatopoeic term ふらふら to describe feeling woozy, lightheaded or unsteady.
Meaning: experiencing a sensation of whirling and being unbalanced (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun めまい means dizziness or vertigo.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a continuous state of feeling dizzy currently in a polite manner, you can use めまいがしています. If you want to express that you felt dizzy in the past, change the verb to the past tense form めまいがした.
How do you pronounce it?
memai ga suru
Did you know?
- The word ふらふら is a type of onomatopoeia called a gitaigo, which describes a state or condition rather than an actual sound.
- When describing a dizzy sensation caused by looking at something too fast, Japanese speakers might use the word 目が回る, which literally translates to 'eyes are spinning'.
- While めまい refers to the physical sensation of vertigo, the term ふらふら can also describe someone who is indecisive or wandering aimlessly in life.
Examples in context
- 私はめまいを感じています。I am feeling dizzy.
- 乗り物を降りた後、ふらふらしてきた。After getting off the ride, I felt woozy.
- 急にめまいがする。kyuuni memai ga suru.I suddenly feel dizzy.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are walking outside on a hot day.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、大丈夫？顔色が悪いよ。Himari, daijōbu? kaoiro ga warui yo.Himari, are you okay? You look pale.
- 陽葵 Himari急にめまいがするの。kyū ni memai ga suru no.I suddenly feel dizzy.
- 蓮 Renあそこに座って休もう。asoko ni suwatte yasumō.Let's sit over there and rest.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、蓮。arigatō, Ren.Thank you, Ren.
