Translation guide
How to express losing physical stability in Japanese, from common everyday phrases to more specific or formal terms.
To become unsteady on your feet, stumble, or nearly fall.
The most common and natural way to say 'lose one's balance'. Works in most situations.
I lost my balance on the train and bumped into the person next to me.
Literally 'lose one's posture/stance'. Often used in sports or when a sudden movement throws you off.
急に止まったら体勢を崩して転びそうになった。
When it stopped suddenly, I lost my balance and almost fell.
To stagger or stumble, often from a push or dizziness. Describes the motion rather than the state.
人に押されてよろけた。
I was pushed and lost my balance.
To feel unsteady or dizzy, often due to illness or exhaustion. More about internal dizziness than external cause.
熱があってふらつく。
I have a fever and feel unsteady.
When loss of balance leads to an actual fall or near-fall.
Combine 'lose balance' with 'fall' for a complete description.
階段でバランスを崩して転んでしまった。
I lost my balance on the stairs and fell.
Literally 'let one's foot slip'. Used when losing balance due to a slippery surface.
雨で足を滑らせて転びそうになった。
I slipped on the rain and almost fell.
To become emotionally unstable or lose composure.
Directly translates the figurative sense. Common in self-help or psychological contexts.
ストレスで心のバランスを崩してしまった。
I lost my emotional balance due to stress.
To be shaken or upset. Describes a temporary loss of composure.
突然の知らせに動揺して、何も言えなかった。
I was so shaken by the sudden news that I couldn't say anything.