How to Say Mental in Japanese

Learning how to express the concept of “mental” in Japanese can be useful for various situations, such as discussing feelings, emotions, or mental health topics. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “mental” in Japanese, providing tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.

Formal Ways to Say Mental

When it comes to using formal Japanese, it is essential to have a better grasp of keigo (polite language). Below are some formal phrases commonly used to express the concept of “mental” in Japanese:

1. 気持ち (kimochi) – This term represents “feelings” or “emotions” and can be used to express one’s mental state. For example:
   

   彼の気持ちは落ち込んでいる。
   (Kare no kimochi wa ochikon de iru.)
   His mental state is down.

2. 心理的 (shinriteki) – This word translates to “psychological” and can be used to describe matters related to the mind. For example:
   

   彼女は心理的なサポートが必要です。
   (Kanojo wa shinriteki na sapōto ga hitsuyōdesu.)
   She needs mental support.

3. 内面 (naimen) – This term refers to one’s “inner self” or their internal mental state. For example:
   

   彼の内面の闘争に気づくことは重要です。
   (Kare no naimen no tōsō ni kidzuku koto wa jūyōdesu.)
   It is important to notice the mental struggle within him.

Informal Ways to Say Mental

When speaking in a casual or informal manner, the phrases used to express “mental” differ slightly. Here are some common informal expressions:

1. 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) – This phrase means “uncomfortable” or “icky feeling” and can be used to describe mental unease. For example:
   

   その話を聞くと、なんだか気持ち悪い気分になる。
   (Sono hanashi o kiku to, nandaka kimochi warui kibun ni naru.)
   When I hear that story, I feel a bit mentally uneasy.

2. 頭の中 (atama no naka) – This expression literally means “inside the head” and can refer to one’s thoughts. For example:
   

   今、何が頭の中にあるの？
   (Ima, nani ga atama no naka ni aru no?)
   What’s going on in your mind right now?

3. 精神的 (seishinteki) – This term shares a similar meaning to “mental” and can be used informally as well. For example:
   

   彼は精神的に疲れている。
   (Kare wa seishinteki ni tsukarete iru.)
   He is mentally tired.

Regional Variations

Japanese, like many languages, has regional variations. However, when it comes to expressing the concept of “mental,” there aren’t any significant variations based on regions within Japan. The formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are widely used and understood nationwide.

Tips for Using Japanese Phrases Related to Mental

Here are a few tips to bear in mind when using Japanese phrases related to the concept of “mental”:

• Context matters: Ensure that you use the appropriate phrase based on the context of the conversation.
• Levels of politeness: Be aware of the level of formality required in a particular situation and adjust your language accordingly.
• Practice speaking: To become comfortable using these phrases, practice speaking them aloud to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
• Consume media: Watch Japanese movies, shows, or listen to music to expose yourself to the language and understand how these phrases are used in different contexts.
• Ask for feedback: Seek feedback from native speakers to refine your usage of these phrases and ensure accurate communication.

Remember, learning a language is an ongoing process, and it’s important to embrace any mistakes you make along the way. By actively using these phrases, you’ll gradually improve your understanding and fluency in Japanese.