Translation guide
The feeling of being dizzy, faint, or about to pass out. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: physical dizziness, mental spaciness, or a floating sensation.
Describing a sensation of nearly fainting, often from low blood pressure, standing up too fast, or illness.
General term for dizziness or vertigo. Covers lightheadedness, spinning sensations, and unsteadiness. Very common.
立ち上がったら、めまいがした。
I felt dizzy when I stood up.
めまいがひどくて、立っていられない。
I'm so dizzy I can't stand.
Specifically the lightheadedness from standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Very natural for that situation.
急に立ち上がると、立ちくらみがします。
I get lightheaded when I stand up suddenly.
Literally 'to have anemia', but often used colloquially for feeling faint or lightheaded, even without medical anemia.
In medical contexts, 貧血 means actual anemia. For casual lightheadedness, it's understood but may be slightly imprecise.
電車の中で貧血を起こして倒れそうになった。
I felt faint on the train and almost collapsed.
Describes the sensation of consciousness fading, about to pass out. More dramatic than simple dizziness.
あまりの痛さに意識が遠のきそうだった。
The pain was so intense I almost blacked out.
A light, floating, or disconnected mental state, not necessarily physical dizziness. Often from fatigue, medication, or distraction.
Onomatopoeic for a floating, light, airy feeling. Commonly used for lightheadedness that isn't spinning vertigo.
熱があるせいか、頭がふわふわする。
Maybe because of the fever, my head feels light and floaty.
Describes a dazed, spaced-out feeling. Can overlap with lightheadedness when you feel mentally foggy.
薬の副作用で、一日中ぼーっとしていた。
I felt spaced out all day from the medication side effects.
Lightheadedness with a slight wobble or reeling sensation. Less intense than full vertigo.
空腹で頭がくらくらしてきた。
I'm getting lightheaded from hunger.
Lightheadedness or near-fainting triggered by surprise, fear, or strong emotion.
Literally 'the space before my eyes goes pitch black'. Describes the visual dimming when about to faint from shock.
その知らせを聞いて、目の前が真っ暗になった。
When I heard the news, everything went black and I nearly fainted.
Describes the sensation of blood draining from your face, often leading to lightheadedness from shock or fear.
恐怖で血の気が引いて、倒れそうだった。
I went pale with fear and almost fainted.
めまい is the broadest term for dizziness, including spinning vertigo and lightheadedness. 立ちくらみ is specifically lightheadedness upon standing. ふわふわする describes a floating, non-spinning lightness, often from fever or fatigue.
Avoid literal translations like 軽い頭 (light head). They are not natural Japanese. Use the expressions above depending on the nuance.