Translation guide
A persistent sense of inadequacy or feeling less worthy than others. In Japanese, this is often expressed with set phrases, psychological terms, or descriptive language about self-esteem.
Expressing a chronic feeling of being inferior to others, often in personality or ability.
The most common and natural way to say 'inferiority complex' in everyday Japanese. Literally 'sense of inferiority'.
He has a strong inferiority complex.
Overcoming an inferiority complex is difficult.
The loanword 'complex' is widely used, often shortened to コンプレックス or even コン. It can refer to any complex, but context usually makes it clear.
She has a complex about her height.
A direct translation of 'inferiority complex', used in psychological contexts or formal writing. Less common in casual speech.
In Adlerian psychology, the inferiority complex is an important concept.
Describing a complex about a particular aspect, such as appearance, skill, or background.
Pattern for 'have a complex about ~'. Fill in the trait with a noun.
I have a complex about my English ability.
He has a complex about his educational background.
Pattern for '~ is the source of my inferiority complex'. More descriptive.
The psychological concept where feelings of inferiority motivate someone to strive for superiority.
Psychological term: 'compensation for inferiority feelings'. Used in Adlerian psychology.
His success is due to compensation for his inferiority complex.
劣等感 (rettoukan) specifically means 'sense of inferiority' and is the most direct equivalent. コンプレックス (konpurekkusu) is broader, covering any psychological complex (e.g., superiority complex, Oedipus complex). In casual conversation, コンプレックス often implies inferiority complex by default.
He has a strong inferiority complex.
He has a strong complex (likely inferiority).
The English phrase 'inferiority complex' is sometimes directly translated as 劣等複合体 (rettou fukugoutai), but this is unnatural and rarely used. Stick to 劣等感 or コンプレックス.
My height is the source of my inferiority complex.