Translation guide
The English word "insensitive" covers a range of meanings from lacking physical sensation to being emotionally unaware or tactless. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Describing a person, remark, or action that is thoughtless, rude, or hurtful, often unintentionally.
The most common and versatile word for 'insensitive' in the sense of being tactless or oblivious to others' feelings. Can describe both people and their words/actions.
He said something insensitive.
I can't forgive such an insensitive remark.
A common phrase meaning 'lacking delicacy/tact'. Slightly more colloquial than 無神経. Often used to criticize someone's behavior.
He really has no delicacy, does he?
Literally 'lacking consideration/thoughtfulness'. Emphasizes the absence of empathy or care for others.
I was hurt by her insensitive attitude.
Means 'thick-skinned' or 'obtuse'. Can be used for emotional insensitivity, but often implies a general lack of perceptiveness. Can sound slightly harsh.
He is insensitive to people's feelings.
Describing a body part or person that does not feel pain, heat, touch, etc., or a device that does not react to small changes.
Literally 'has no sensation'. The most direct way to say a body part is numb or lacks feeling.
My leg is numb. / I have no sensation in my leg.
Verb meaning 'to become numb' or 'to fall asleep' (for limbs). Often used for temporary numbness from pressure or cold.
A more formal or medical term for 'insensibility' or 'anesthesia'. Can also be used metaphorically for emotional numbness.
Means 'dull' or 'blunt'. Can describe dulled senses or slow reactions. For physical insensitivity, it's less common than 感覚がない.
Describing someone who is not easily influenced or hurt by external factors, or a system/material that does not react to certain conditions.
Pattern meaning 'unmoved by ~' or 'unfazed by ~'. Used for people who remain calm despite criticism, pressure, etc.
He is insensitive to criticism.
Pattern meaning 'not influenced by ~'. Suitable for both people and things that are unaffected by external factors.
Can also be used in this sense, meaning 'insensitive' or 'unresponsive'. Often with a nuance of being thick-skinned or oblivious.
Describing language or behavior that shows a lack of awareness or respect for social issues like race, gender, disability, etc.
Phrase meaning 'lacking consideration for ~'. Commonly used in social contexts to point out insensitivity toward a specific group or issue.
That remark is insensitive to people with disabilities.
Literally 'does not understand ~'. A straightforward way to say someone is insensitive due to ignorance.
Can also be used in this context, but it's more general. Often combined with a specific topic.
無神経 (mushinkei) focuses on lack of consideration for others' feelings, often in social situations. 鈍感 (donkan) implies a general thick-skinnedness or slow perception, which can be emotional or physical. 無神経 is more common for 'tactless', while 鈍感 can sound like 'obtuse' or 'insensitive' in a broader sense.
While 感じない (kanjinai) literally means 'not feel', it is not used to describe a person as 'insensitive' in the emotional sense. It would mean 'I don't feel (something)' and is not idiomatic for personality traits.
正座で足がしびれた。
My legs fell asleep from sitting in seiza.
My arm became insensitive due to anesthesia.
痛みに鈍い。
Insensitive to pain.
This material is insensitive to temperature changes.
彼は世間の評判に鈍感だ。
He is insensitive to public opinion.
He is insensitive to racial issues.
彼のジョークは人種的に無神経だった。
His joke was racially insensitive.