How to say "faint" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjectiveCovers the sense of faint as dim or weak — a faint light, sound, smell, or hope. Suggests something barely perceptible, and is the most general everyday choice for this sensory meaning.すぐそばでかすかな音がした。↗I heard a faint sound nearby.
- 気絶きぜつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbMeans fainting — briefly losing consciousness. This is the word for the verb sense 'to faint' in the medical or everyday sense; it has nothing to do with faint light, sounds, or colors.
- na-adjectiveDescribes something faint and indistinct, sensed vaguely — a faint fragrance, glow, or memory. It carries a soft, hazy nuance, weaker and more diffuse than かすか.
- 淡いあわいi-adjectiveUsed for faint or pale colors, and figuratively for faint, fleeting feelings such as faint hope or a faint longing. Best when the emphasis is on paleness or delicate, transient emotion.
- 微弱びじゃくna-adjective, nounMeans faint in the sense of feeble or weak, typically for faint signals, weak light or breathing, or feeble strength. It has a somewhat formal or technical flavor compared with かすか.
Use 「かすか」 or 「ほのか」 for faint sounds, light, smells, or shapes; 「淡い」 for pale colors and faint feelings; 微弱 for weak signals or strength; 気絶 only for fainting, losing consciousness.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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