痺れた
shibireta
The Japanese word for physically numb is 痺れた (shibireta).
The term is used to describe physical sensations, such as a limb falling asleep or experiencing a tingling sensation of pins and needles. To refer to the sensation of numbness itself, you can use the noun form 痺れ.
Meaning: physically unable to feel (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the verb is 痺れる, which means 'to be numb' or 'to go numb'. The form 痺れた is the past tense, meaning 'became numb'.
How do you pronounce it?
shibireta
Did you know?
- In Japanese slang, 痺れる is used to describe being deeply moved or thrilled by a performance, such as a great guitar solo or a powerful speech.
- The noun 痺れ is used in the phrase 痺れを切らす, which literally means 'to run out of numbness' but actually means 'to lose one's patience'.
- In traditional Japanese medicine and acupuncture, the concept of 痺れ is closely tied to the blockage of 'ki' or energy flow in the body.
Examples in context
- 手が麻痺しました。My hand became numb.
- 彼は無感覚なままです。He remains emotionally numb.
- 足が痺れた。Ashi ga shibireta.My leg is numb.
- 長時間座っていて、腰が痺れた。Choujikan suwatte ite, koshi ga shibireta.I sat for a long time and my lower back is numb.
- 寒さで手が痺れた。Samusa de te ga shibireta.My hands are numb from the cold.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are sitting on the floor after a long meeting.
- 美咲 Misaki足が痺れた！ashi ga shibureta!My leg went numb!
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫？ゆっくり立ってね。daijoubu? yukkuri tatte ne.Are you okay? Stand up slowly.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、健太。arigatou, kenta.Thanks, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta無理しないでね。muri shinaide ne.Don't push yourself.
