Translation guide
The English word "hypnosis" refers to a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often used in therapy or entertainment. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific nouns and verbs, with distinctions between the state itself, the act of inducing it, and the person who performs it.
Referring to the trance state itself, as in 'under hypnosis' or 'in a hypnotic state'.
The standard noun for 'hypnosis' as a state or phenomenon. Used in both clinical and entertainment contexts.
彼は催眠状態にある。
He is in a hypnotic state.
催眠療法を受ける。
To undergo hypnotherapy.
Literally 'hypnotic state', used when you need to be explicit about being in the state.
催眠状態で記憶を思い出した。
I recalled memories while under hypnosis.
Referring to the process of putting someone into hypnosis, as in 'to perform hypnosis' or 'to hypnotize someone'.
The most common way to say 'to hypnotize someone'. Literally 'to apply hypnosis'.
彼は彼女に催眠をかけた。
He hypnotized her.
催眠をかけるのは難しい。
It's difficult to perform hypnosis.
Refers to 'hypnotism' as a technique or art, often used in stage hypnosis or when talking about the skill.
A technical term for 'hypnotic induction', used in clinical or academic contexts.
催眠誘導の方法には様々なものがある。
There are various methods of hypnotic induction.
Referring to the hypnotist, the person who performs hypnosis.
The standard word for 'hypnotist', especially in entertainment contexts.
催眠術師がステージでボランティアに催眠をかけた。
The hypnotist hypnotized a volunteer on stage.
Specifically a 'hypnotherapist', used in clinical settings.
催眠療法士が禁煙のための催眠を行った。
The hypnotherapist performed hypnosis for smoking cessation.
Describing a person who is easily hypnotized or the trait of hypnotizability.
Means 'easily hypnotized' or 'susceptible to hypnosis'. Literally 'easy to be affected by hypnosis'.
彼女は催眠にかかりやすい。
She is easily hypnotized.
A technical term for 'hypnotizability', used in psychology.
被催眠性には個人差がある。
There are individual differences in hypnotizability.
Although 催眠 contains the kanji for 'sleep' (眠), hypnosis is not the same as natural sleep. Avoid using 睡眠 (すいみん, sleep) when you mean hypnosis.
催眠 is often used in compounds: 催眠療法 (hypnotherapy), 催眠状態 (hypnotic state), 催眠効果 (hypnotic effect).
彼は催眠術を学んでいる。
He is learning hypnotism.