Translation guide
The English word 'awareness' covers a range of concepts in Japanese, from simple knowledge of facts to deep spiritual consciousness. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on what kind of awareness you mean.
awareness (general recognition)
awareness (consciousness)
to be aware of
Expressing that someone knows about something, is informed, or is conscious of a fact.
The most common and neutral word for awareness as cognitive recognition or understanding of a fact, issue, or situation.
Awareness of environmental issues is growing.
Often used for awareness that is more subjective or psychological, like being conscious of something or having a sense of it. Can also mean 'consciousness'.
A very natural, everyday way to say 'be aware of' or 'notice'. Implies a more immediate or perceptual awareness.
He wasn't aware of the danger.
Awareness of one's own condition, role, or responsibility. Often used for self-awareness.
Often used in formal or technical contexts for recognition or cognitive awareness, such as brand awareness or public recognition.
Talking about awareness as a widespread understanding or concern in society.
Used for social or collective awareness, often in compounds like 社会意識 (social awareness) or (awareness of an issue).
Referring to a state of heightened consciousness, mindfulness, or spiritual awakening.
Being watchful or alert to potential danger or changes.
認識 is objective understanding of facts; 意識 is subjective consciousness or sense; 気づき is immediate noticing or mindfulness. Use 認識 for 'awareness of an issue', 意識 for 'health awareness', and 気づく for 'realize/notice'.
In many cases, English 'awareness' is better expressed with a verb like 気づく (to notice) or an adjective like 敏感 (sensitive). For example, 'environmental awareness' can be 環境意識, but 'raise awareness' is often 意識を高める or 関心を高める.
We need to raise awareness about mental health.
彼は自分の間違いを認識していない。
He is not aware of his own mistake.
健康意識が高い。
Health awareness is high.
He is aware of the gazes around him.
Are you aware of your habits?
彼はリーダーとしての自覚が足りない。
He lacks awareness of his role as a leader.
He has no awareness of his illness.
ブランドの認知度を上げる。
Increase brand awareness.
We need to raise social awareness.
Crime prevention awareness is low.
Closer to 'interest' or 'concern', but often used where English would say 'awareness' in the sense of people paying attention to something.
Awareness of environmental issues is growing.
Meditation deepens awareness.
Literally 'awakening', used for spiritual or profound awareness. Can sound dramatic or literary.
I experienced a spiritual awakening.
Awareness in the sense of being on guard or vigilant against threats.
The police heightened their awareness.
To pay attention or be mindful of something, often used for situational awareness.
Please be aware of your surroundings.
彼女は自分の言葉が他人にどう影響するか自覚がない。
She has no awareness of how her words affect others.