Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing dizziness depends on the sensation: spinning (vertigo), lightheadedness, or unsteadiness. The most common and general term is めまい, but specific words exist for different types.
I feel dizzy.
I get dizzy when I stand up.
A sensation of spinning or loss of balance, often used in medical or everyday contexts.
The most common and general term for dizziness, covering both spinning sensations and lightheadedness. Used in everyday conversation and medical settings.
I feel dizzy when I stand up suddenly.
Kanji form of めまい, meaning 'dizziness' or 'vertigo'. More common in written or formal contexts.
A feeling that the surroundings are spinning, often associated with inner ear problems.
Specifically refers to rotational vertigo, where the room seems to spin. Used in medical contexts.
A sensation of nearly fainting, often due to low blood pressure or standing up too quickly.
A feeling of being off-balance or walking on a cloud, not necessarily spinning.
A sensation of unsteadiness or staggering, often used when feeling dizzy while walking.
めまい is the general term for dizziness. 立ちくらみ specifically refers to dizziness upon standing. ふらつき describes unsteadiness or staggering, often while walking. Use めまい if unsure.
I went to an ENT because I was dizzy.
She suffers from dizziness.
I'm so dizzy I can't stand.
The dizziness symptoms are persisting.
When I get rotational vertigo, I also feel nauseous.
A formal, literary term for vertigo. Rarely used in everyday speech; mostly found in medical literature.
Vertigo can be caused by abnormalities in the inner ear.
Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing up, often from orthostatic hypotension. Very common in daily conversation.
I felt dizzy when I stood up and my vision went dark.
Describes dizziness that feels like anemia, often used when feeling faint or weak.
I felt dizzy like I was anemic and had to sit down.
I feel unsteady from the fever and can't walk straight.
A floating sensation, as if walking on air. Often used to describe a type of dizziness.
I have persistent dizziness and a floating sensation.
立ちくらみがひどいので、ゆっくり立ち上がるようにしています。
I get bad dizzy spells when standing, so I try to stand up slowly.
I use a cane because I feel unsteady.
The English word 'dizziness' is not commonly used as a loanword in Japanese. Always use native Japanese terms like めまい.
Dizziness can be a symptom of dehydration.