神経 — meaning in English: Nerve

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Guess the translation for nerve

事務所

jimusho

神経

shinkei

市長

shichō

ショッピング

shoppingu

昆虫

konchū

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 神経 (shinkei) in both medical and everyday contexts. For example, you might hear it during discussions about health when talking about nerve-related issues or in casual conversations when someone mentions being 'nervous' or 'on edge,' as it relates to their nerves.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 神経系 (shinkeikei), which specifically refers to the nervous system. While 神経 (shinkei) can denote individual nerves or the concept of nerves in general, 神経系 (shinkeikei) is more technical and used primarily in medical contexts. Use 神経 when discussing everyday situations or emotions, and switch to 神経系 when focusing on anatomical discussions.

Culture

The word 神経 derives from the characters 神 (shin), meaning 'god' or 'divine,' and 経 (kei), which means 'to pass through' or 'to manage.' This combination reflects a historical view of nerves as vital conduits of sensation and emotion, almost like divine messengers within the body. Interestingly, in Japanese, the term can also imply mental states, such as in expressions referring to someone being sensitive or overly anxious.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 神経 in English?

神経 (shinkei) translates to 'nerve' in English, referring to both the physical nerves in the body and the concept of emotional or psychological states.

Q.How do you use 神経 in a sentence?

You can use 神経 in sentences like '私の神経は疲れています' (Watashi no shinkei wa tsukareteimasu), which means 'My nerves are worn out.' It effectively conveys a sense of mental fatigue or stress.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 神経?

One common mistake is confusing 神経 (shinkei) with 精神 (seishin), which means 'mind' or 'spirit.' While both relate to mental states, 神経 specifically refers to the nervous system and its functions. Be mindful of the context to use them correctly.

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