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.
I felt dizzy when I stood up.
I'm so dizzy I can't stand.
Specifically the lightheadedness from standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Very natural for that situation.
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.
I felt faint on the train and almost collapsed.
Describes the sensation of consciousness fading, about to pass out. More dramatic than simple dizziness.
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.
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.
Lightheadedness with a slight wobble or reeling sensation. Less intense than full vertigo.
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.
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.
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.
I felt spaced out all day from the medication side effects.
I went pale with fear and almost fainted.