Japanese word

めまい

Pronunciation

Romajimemai

Meaning

  • noundizziness

Example

立ち上がるとめまいがします。ta chi a ga ru to me ma i ga shi ma su

I feel dizzy when I stand up.

Illustration for めまい (dizziness)

More examples

急に立つと、めまいがします。kyū ni ta tsu to me ma i ga shi ma su

I feel dizzy when I stand up quickly.

疲れていると、目を閉じてもめまいが続きます。tsuka re te i ru to me o to ji te mo me ma i ga tsuzu ki ma su

I still feel dizzy with my eyes closed when I am tired.

Core concept

Centers on feeling physically unsteady or as if the surroundings are moving, whether the sensation is spinning or lightheadedness.

Common phrases

  • めまいがするme ma i ga su ru

    feel dizzy

  • めまいが治まるme ma i ga osa ma ru

    dizziness subsides

Similar words

ふらつきfuratsuki: A feeling of being unsteady or having trouble keeping balance.
立ちくらみtachikurami: A lightheaded feeling that occurs when standing up.

Definition in Japanese

体の安定が失われ、周囲が回るように感じたり、足元がふらついたり、立っていられないように感じたりすること。karada no an tei ga ushina wa re shū i ga mawa ru yō ni kan ji ta ri ashi moto ga fu ra tsu i ta ri ta tte i ra re na i yō ni kan ji ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese noun めまい (memai) is traditionally linked to めまう (memau), from 目 (me, "eye") and 舞う (mau, "to dance"), evoking eyes that seem to whirl.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, "I feel dizzy" describes a temporary physical problem without claiming a medical diagnosis.

Other meanings

  • vertigonoun
  • lightheadednessnoun

Word lists with this word