Translation guide
Describes the inability to remember information, events, or skills. In Japanese, the most common and direct term is 記憶喪失 (memory loss/amnesia), but depending on context, other expressions like 物忘れ (forgetfulness) or 度忘れ (temporary lapse) may be more natural.
To refer to the condition of losing memories, often due to injury, illness, or psychological factors.
The standard term for 'memory loss' or 'amnesia'. Used in medical, psychological, and everyday contexts.
After the accident, he suffered memory loss.
The patient experienced temporary memory loss.
A more technical/medical term for amnesia or memory loss. Often used in compound words like 健忘症 (amnesia as a condition).
Symptoms of amnesia can include the inability to learn new things.
Literally 'memory disorder'. A broader term that includes memory loss as well as other memory impairments. Common in medical contexts.
Many people experience memory impairment due to aging.
To describe common, non-medical instances of forgetting things, like misplacing keys or forgetting appointments.
The most natural word for everyday forgetfulness. Implies a normal, often age-related, decline in memory for small things.
Lately my memory has gotten really bad (I've become very forgetful).
Refers to a temporary lapse of memory, like when a word is on the tip of your tongue but you can't recall it. Often used for momentary forgetfulness.
To express the loss of memory for particular events, knowledge, or abilities.
A pattern meaning 'to lose the memory of ~'. Used for specific memories.
He has lost the memory of before and after the accident.
I completely lost the memory of that experience.
The basic verb 'to forget'. While not specifically 'loss of memory', it is the most common way to say you forgot something specific.
I forgot the appointment.
記憶喪失 (memory loss/amnesia) is a serious condition often caused by trauma or disease, while 物忘れ (forgetfulness) refers to everyday lapses that are common with aging or stress. Use 物忘れ for minor forgetfulness and 記憶喪失 for clinical memory loss.
The English phrase 'loss of memory' can often be expressed more naturally with verbs like 忘れる (to forget) or adjectives like 忘れっぽい (forgetful) in Japanese. Using 記憶の損失 is not idiomatic.
I take notes to prevent forgetfulness.
彼の名前が度忘れして思い出せない。
I've had a memory lapse and can't recall his name.
An adjective meaning 'forgetful' or 'prone to forgetting'. Describes a person's tendency.
My grandmother has become forgetful recently.