Translation guide
The English word 'psychological' covers a range of meanings from mental/emotional states to academic psychology. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions depending on the intended nuance.
I got sick due to psychological stress.
It's hard to overcome psychological barriers.
Often translated as 'mental' or 'psychological', but leans more toward 'spiritual' or 'emotional' well-being. Common in phrases like 'mental health'.
I'm mentally exhausted.
Loanword from English 'mental', used colloquially for psychological/mental state, especially in sports or self-help contexts.
If you're mentally weak, you get depressed easily.
Referring to the scientific study of mind and behavior.
Using psychological tactics to influence or control others.
Describing a genre of fiction that focuses on characters' mental states.
心理的 (しんりてき) is closer to 'psychological' in a neutral, often academic sense. 精神的 (せいしんてき) leans toward 'mental/emotional/spiritual' and is common in everyday health contexts. For 'psychological stress', 心理的ストレス is standard; 精神的ストレス is also used but may sound more like 'emotional stress'.
psychological factors
mental health
While 心理的 is the direct translation, Japanese often prefers more specific terms like 気持ち (feeling), 心 (heart/mind), or メンタル in casual speech. Using 心理的 in every case can sound stiff or overly technical.
Take a psychological approach.
That advertisement uses psychological manipulation techniques.