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.
He was diagnosed with melancholia.
The loanword from English, used in psychological or literary contexts. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or poetic nuance.
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.
Rainy days make me feel melancholic.
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.
To describe a person's inherent tendency toward sadness or gloominess.
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.
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.
She was sunk in deep melancholia.
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.
The melancholic melody lingers in my heart.
Loanword meaning 'sentimental', often implying a sweet, nostalgic sadness. Used in casual or pop-culture contexts.
This movie is a bit too melancholic/sentimental.
She has a melancholic disposition and always keeps to herself.