Japanese Conversation · Level 128
60 words
Japanese word
神経質
Pronunciation
Romajishinkeishitsu
Meaning
- na-adjectivesensitive
Example
彼は音に神経質です。kare wa oto ni shin kei shitsu de su
He is sensitive to noise.
More examples
彼女は神経質な性格なので、予定の変更を嫌います。kano jo wa shin kei shitsu na sei kaku na no de yo tei no hen kō o kira i ma su
Because she is sensitive by nature, she dislikes changes to her plans.
Core concept
Shows a tendency to notice and worry about minor things, making a person easily upset or tense.
Common phrases
神経質な人shin kei shitsu na hito
sensitive person
神経質になるshin kei shitsu ni na ru
become nervous
神経質な性格shin kei shitsu na sei kaku
sensitive personality
Similar words
敏感binkan: Easily affected by small changes, sounds, or other stimuli.
過敏kabin: Reacting too strongly to a stimulus or situation.
繊細sensai: Having delicate feelings and being easily affected by small changes.
心配性shinpaisei: Tending to worry about many possible problems, including minor ones.
Definition in Japanese
音や周囲の変化など、わずかなことまで気にして緊張しやすいさま。oto ya shū i no hen ka na do wa zu ka na ko to ma de ki ni shi te kin chō shi ya su i sa ma
Word origin
The compound 神経質 (shinkeishitsu) combines 神経 (shinkei, "nerves") with 質 (shitsu, "quality") to express a quality of being easily affected or tense.
Usage tips
- A speaker may use 神経質 (shinkeishitsu) when discussing everyday preferences, such as needing a quiet room, so it is not limited to serious anxiety.
Other meanings
- nervousna-adjective
- high-strungna-adjective
Opposites
- 無神経mushinkeiinsensitivena-adjective
Related words
- 神経質さshinkeishitsusasensitivitynoun