Translation guide
Hypersensitivity refers to an exaggerated or excessive reaction to stimuli, whether physical, emotional, or sensory. In Japanese, the most common and versatile term is 過敏 (kabin), often used in compounds. This guide covers medical, psychological, and everyday uses.
hypersensitivity (general/medical)
Use 過敏症 for the condition.
hypersensitivity (emotional)
Often with すぎる to emphasize excess.
To describe an abnormally heightened sensitivity to physical stimuli, allergens, or medical conditions.
The most direct and common translation for 'hypersensitivity'. Used in medical and general contexts. Often appears in compounds like 過敏症 (hypersensitivity disorder) or 過敏反応 (hypersensitivity reaction).
He is hypersensitive to pollen.
I had a hypersensitivity reaction on my skin.
Specifically means 'hypersensitivity disorder' or 'hypersensitivity condition'. Used in medical diagnoses.
Is there a treatment for hypersensitivity?
While technically 'allergy', it is often used in everyday language to describe hypersensitivity to substances. Note: アレルギー implies an immune response, whereas 過敏 is broader.
I am allergic (hypersensitive) to cats.
To describe being overly sensitive to criticism, emotions, or social cues.
Means 'sensitive' and can imply hypersensitivity in emotional contexts. Often used with すぎる (too much) to emphasize excess. More common for emotional sensitivity than 過敏.
She is too hypersensitive to criticism.
Hypersensitive people tend to feel stress easily.
Describes a nervous, high-strung, or overly sensitive temperament. Often used for someone who is easily upset or worried.
He is hypersensitive even about small things.
Literally 'to react hypersensitively'. Used for emotional overreactions.
He reacted hypersensitively to the joke.
To describe being overly sensitive to sensory input, often associated with conditions like autism or migraine.
Attach 過敏 to a sensory noun to indicate hypersensitivity to that sense. Common compounds: 光過敏 (photosensitivity), 音過敏 (hyperacusis), 触覚過敏 (tactile hypersensitivity).
He has photosensitivity and dislikes bright lights.
Because of sound hypersensitivity, I avoid loud noises.
General term for sensory hypersensitivity, often used in medical or therapeutic contexts.
Children with sensory hypersensitivity dislike certain clothes.
To describe a person who is naturally more sensitive to stimuli and emotions, often in a positive or neutral sense.
The English acronym 'HSP' (Highly Sensitive Person) is widely recognized in Japanese self-help and psychology contexts. Often used as a loanword.
I might be an HSP (hypersensitive person).
A straightforward description: 'a very sensitive person'. Can be used when the HSP concept is not known.
She is a very hypersensitive person and understands others' feelings well.
過敏 (kabin) implies an abnormal or excessive sensitivity, often medical. 敏感 (binkan) simply means 'sensitive' and can be positive or neutral. To express 'hypersensitivity' emotionally, 敏感すぎる is more natural than 過敏 alone.
My skin is hypersensitive (medical).
He is sensitive and kind (not necessarily hypersensitive).
While 超敏感 (chō-binkan) might seem like a direct translation, it is not standard and sounds awkward. Stick to 過敏 or 敏感すぎる.