Translation guide
A deep, persistent sadness or gloomy state of mind, often without a clear cause. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words that range from clinical depression to poetic melancholy.
To refer to melancholia as a medical or psychological condition characterized by deep, persistent sadness and loss of interest.
A direct translation for 'melancholia' in a clinical context, meaning 'depression' or 'melancholia'. It is a formal, medical term.
彼は憂鬱症と診断された。
He was diagnosed with melancholia.
The loanword from English, used in psychological or literary contexts. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or poetic nuance.
その患者はメランコリアの症状を示している。
The patient is showing symptoms of melancholia.
To describe a profound, often lingering sadness or gloomy mood, not necessarily clinical.
The most common word for a gloomy, depressed feeling. It can range from mild melancholy to severe depression.
雨の日は憂鬱になる。
Rainy days make me feel melancholic.
彼女は深い憂鬱に沈んでいた。
She was sunk in deep melancholia.
A shorter, more intense version of 憂鬱, often used in compounds or casual speech. Can imply clinical depression.
Using 鬱 alone can sound very strong or clinical; in casual contexts, it's often softened with っぽい or used in compounds.
Describes a dark, gloomy, and oppressive atmosphere or mood. More about the environment or a heavy, somber feeling.
To express a refined, aesthetic sadness, often associated with beauty, transience, or nostalgia.
A sense of pathos, wistful sadness, or melancholy often tied to beauty, memories, or the passage of time. Common in literature and music.
その曲には哀愁が漂っている。
That song is filled with melancholia.
To describe a person's inherent tendency toward sadness or gloominess.
Refers to a melancholic temperament, from the four temperaments theory. Used in psychology or character descriptions.
彼は憂鬱質の性格だ。
He has a melancholic temperament.
Describes a gloomy, somber personality. More everyday than 憂鬱質, but can carry a negative connotation.
彼女は陰気な性格で、いつも一人でいる。
She has a melancholic disposition and always keeps to herself.
憂鬱 (yūutsu) is a heavy, often oppressive sadness or depression, while 哀愁 (aishū) is a lighter, more poetic and wistful sadness, often associated with beauty or nostalgia. Use 憂鬱 for clinical or deep gloom, and 哀愁 for artistic or sentimental melancholy.
In everyday conversation, saying 'メランコリア' or '憂鬱症' can sound overly dramatic or clinical. Instead, use phrases like '気分が落ち込む' (feel down) or '憂鬱な気分' (gloomy mood) to sound more natural.
彼女を憂鬱の波が襲った。
A wave of melancholia washed over her.
Literary translation; in casual speech, '彼女は急に憂鬱になった' is more natural.
I've been feeling kind of melancholic lately.
陰鬱な空模様が続いている。
The gloomy weather continues.
An adjective meaning 'sad' or 'melancholy' in a gentle, touching way. Often used for scenes or music that evoke a quiet sadness.
物悲しいメロディーが心に残る。
The melancholic melody lingers in my heart.
Loanword meaning 'sentimental', often implying a sweet, nostalgic sadness. Used in casual or pop-culture contexts.
この映画はちょっとセンチメンタルすぎる。
This movie is a bit too melancholic/sentimental.