Japanese word

無意識

Pronunciation

Romajimuishiki

Meaning

  • noununconscious mind

Example

無意識は人の行動に影響します。mu i shiki wa hito no kō dō ni ei kyō shi ma su

The unconscious mind affects people's behavior.

Illustration for 無意識 (unconscious mind)

More examples

緊張すると、人は無意識に早口になります。kin chō su ru to hito wa mu i shiki ni haya kuchi ni na ri ma su

When people get nervous, they unconsciously start speaking quickly.

Core concept

It refers to the part of the mind that influences perception and behavior without entering conscious thought.

Common phrases

  • 無意識にmu i shiki ni

    unconsciously

  • 無意識のうちにmu i shiki no u chi ni

    without realizing it

  • 無意識の行動mu i shiki no kō dō

    unconscious behavior

Similar words

潜在意識senzaiishiki: Mental processes below conscious awareness that can influence thoughts, feelings, and actions.
無自覚mujikaku: A lack of awareness of one's own actions, feelings, or thoughts.
深層心理shinsōshinri: Hidden motives and feelings that exist beneath conscious thought.

Definition in Japanese

本人が自覚しないまま働き、考え方や行動に影響を及ぼす心の働き。hon nin ga ji kaku shi na i ma ma hatara ki kanga e kata ya kō dō ni ei kyō o oyo bo su kokoro no hatara ki

Word origin

無意識 (muishiki) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 無 (mu, "without"), 意 (i, "thought"), and 識 (shiki, "awareness"), so its structure expresses awareness that is absent.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 無意識 (muishiki) can describe an influence on behavior, and 無意識に (muishiki ni) describes an action done without conscious awareness.

Opposites

Related words

  • 無意識的muishikitekiunconsciousna-adjective

Word lists with this word