What does it mean word for word?
The noun めまい means "dizziness" or "vertigo".
Which one should you use?
While めまいがする is the standard way to state you are experiencing dizziness, you might use the onomatopoeic expression ふらふらする to specifically describe the sensation of being unsteady on one's feet. Additionally, クラクラする is a casual way to express feeling dizzy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form めまいがします is a polite version suitable for speaking to doctors or strangers. In formal settings, you can also say 頭がクラクラします to mean your head feels dizzy or 頭がふらふらしています to say your head feels woozy. For casual situations, use the informal クラクラする or すごくめまいがするよ.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a continuous state of feeling dizzy right now, you can use the progressive form めまいがしています. If you want to express that you felt dizzy in the past, use the polite past tense めまいがしました.
How do you pronounce it?
memai ga suru
Did you know?
- The word クラクラ is not only used for vertigo but can also describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by a dazzling light or an incredible sight.
- The verb する in めまいがする literally means 'to do', meaning that in Japanese, you do not 'feel' dizziness but rather 'do' it.
- While めまい describes the medical sensation of dizziness, the onomatopoeic ふらふら is often used to describe the physical swaying of a person who is exhausted or drunk.
Examples in context
- 急にめまいがする。kyuu ni memai ga suru.I suddenly feel dizzy.
- 立ち上がるとめまいがする。tachiagaru to memai ga suru.I feel dizzy when I stand up.
Example conversation
Misaki sees Ren looking pale in the middle of the street.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、顔色が悪いですよ。Ren-san, kaoiro ga warui desu yo.Ren, you look pale.
- 蓮 Ren少しめまいがするんだ。Sukoshi memai ga surun da.I feel a little dizzy.
- 美咲 Misaki座って休みましょう。Suwatte yasumimashou.Let's sit down and rest.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thank you, that helps.
