Translation guide
The English word 'amnesia' refers to loss of memory. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 記憶喪失 (きおくそうしつ), but the loanword アムネジア is also understood. This guide covers how to talk about amnesia naturally in Japanese, including medical, casual, and figurative uses.
To refer to the medical condition of memory loss, often due to injury, illness, or trauma.
The standard term for amnesia in medical and formal contexts. It literally means 'memory loss'.
彼は事故の後、記憶喪失になった。
He developed amnesia after the accident.
記憶喪失の症状が見られる。
Symptoms of amnesia are observed.
The loanword from English, used in medical contexts or when referencing the concept in media. Less common than 記憶喪失 in everyday speech.
その映画の主人公はアムネジアに苦しんでいる。
The protagonist of that movie suffers from amnesia.
A more technical or literary term for amnesia or forgetfulness. Often used in compound words like 健忘症 (けんぼうしょう, amnesia as a condition).
健忘症の治療法はまだ確立されていない。
A cure for amnesia has not yet been established.
To describe a situation where someone forgets something temporarily or has a lapse in memory, not necessarily a medical condition.
A common colloquial phrase meaning 'one's memory goes blank' or 'to have a memory lapse'. Often used for temporary amnesia due to shock, alcohol, or stress.
お酒を飲みすぎて、昨夜の記憶が飛んでいる。
I drank too much and have no memory of last night.
事故の瞬間、記憶が飛んだ。
My memory went blank at the moment of the accident.
Literally 'have no memory'. A straightforward way to say you don't remember something. Can be used for both temporary and more serious memory loss.
その日のことは全く記憶がない。
I have absolutely no memory of that day.
Refers to forgetfulness or a lapse in memory, often associated with aging or absent-mindedness. Not as strong as 'amnesia' but can be used in mild cases.
To use 'amnesia' in a metaphorical or exaggerated way, such as in storytelling or expressing disbelief at someone's forgetfulness.
The phrase 'to get amnesia' used figuratively, e.g., 'Did you get amnesia or something?' It can be used jokingly or dramatically.
まさか記憶喪失になったわけじゃないよね？
You didn't suddenly get amnesia, did you?
Instead of using a noun for amnesia, you can use the verb 'to forget' with adverbs like すっかり (completely) or きれいに (cleanly) to express total memory loss.
そんな大事なことをすっかり忘れてた。
I completely forgot such an important thing.
記憶喪失 is the native Japanese term and is more common in everyday and medical contexts. アムネジア is a loanword often used in titles of movies, books, or when discussing the concept in a more abstract or Western context. For most situations, 記憶喪失 is preferred.
医者は彼を記憶喪失と診断した。
The doctor diagnosed him with amnesia.
Saying '私はアムネジアがあります' is unnatural. Instead, use 記憶喪失です or describe the state with phrases like 記憶がありません or 記憶を失っています.
私は記憶喪失です。
I have amnesia.
最近物忘れがひどい。
Lately I've been very forgetful.