Translation guide
A mental health condition characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and self-image. In Japanese, the clinical term is used, but everyday descriptions often focus on specific symptoms.
Referring to the formal psychiatric diagnosis
Standard clinical term used in medical contexts.
彼女は境界性パーソナリティ障害と診断された。
She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Talking about traits without using clinical terms
Describes intense emotional ups and downs, a core feature.
彼は感情の起伏が激しくて、周りが振り回される。
He has intense mood swings and it's hard on those around him.
Directly translating 'borderline personality disorder' word-for-word into Japanese will not be understood. Use the established clinical term or describe symptoms.
Mental health terminology can carry stigma. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers may prefer to describe specific behaviors rather than use diagnostic labels.
Older term still sometimes used, but 'パーソナリティ障害' is now preferred.
境界性人格障害は治療が難しいとされる。
Borderline personality disorder is considered difficult to treat.
Abbreviation used in some medical or online contexts, but not widely understood by the general public.
BPDの症状には感情の不安定さがある。
Symptoms of BPD include emotional instability.
Highlights unstable relationships, often swinging between idealization and devaluation.
対人関係が不安定で、すぐに人を信じたり疑ったりする。
Her relationships are unstable; she quickly trusts then doubts people.
Refers to intense fear of abandonment, a key symptom.
見捨てられ不安が強くて、いつも相手の顔色をうかがってしまう。
I have a strong fear of abandonment and am always reading the other person's mood.
Describes an unstable sense of self, often seen in BPD.
自己イメージが不安定で、自分が何者かわからなくなる。
My sense of self is unstable; I sometimes don't know who I am.