Inferiority complex is the feeling of being less valuable or capable than others through comparison.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A feeling of being less capable than others.
- Often stems from social comparison.
- Can be overcome through personal growth.
概要
劣等感とは、心理学用語で「インフェリオリティ・コンプレックス」とも呼ばれ、自分を周囲の人々と比較した際に、自分自身に欠点や能力の不足があると感じ、引け目を感じる感情を指します。誰しも多少は抱く感情ですが、過度になると精神的な負担となります。
類似語との比較
「コンプレックス」は劣等感とほぼ同義で使われますが、外見や特定の能力に対する強いこだわりを指す場合もあります。「引け目」は、特定の状況で相手に対して負い目を感じるという、より限定的な場面で使われることが多いです。
Examples
彼女は自分の学歴に劣等感を感じている。
everydayShe feels an inferiority complex about her educational background.
幼少期の経験が、彼の劣等感の原因となった。
formalChildhood experiences became the cause of his inferiority complex.
そんな劣等感、捨てちゃえよ！
informalJust throw away that inferiority complex!
社会学的観点から劣等感を分析する。
academicAnalyzing the inferiority complex from a sociological perspective.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
劣等感を刺激される
to have one's inferiority complex triggered
劣等感の塊
a bundle of insecurities
Often Confused With
Refers to a specific feeling of being at a disadvantage in a particular situation, whereas inferiority complex is a more persistent personality trait.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to slightly formal in register. It is frequently used in psychological, educational, and self-help discussions. It carries a negative connotation, describing a state of psychological struggle.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'superiority complex' (優越感). Ensure you distinguish between feeling 'less than' and 'better than' others. Also, avoid using it to describe physical inferiority unless it is clearly psychological.
Tips
Focus on your own progress
Instead of comparing yourself to others, track your own improvements. This helps shift your focus from lack to growth.
Avoid excessive social media use
Social media often highlights others' successes, which can trigger unnecessary feelings of inferiority. Take breaks when you feel down.
Humility in Japanese culture
In Japan, being humble is valued, but excessive self-deprecation can sometimes be confused with a deep-seated inferiority complex.
Word Origin
The term is a direct translation of the Western psychological concept 'inferiority complex' coined by Alfred Adler. '劣等' means 'inferior' and '感' means 'feeling'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, where group harmony and social standing are often emphasized, feelings of inferiority can be quite common. It is a frequent topic in self-help literature.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Rettou' as 'inferior' (like a lower rank) and 'kan' as 'feeling'. When you feel you are in a lower rank than others, you have an inferiority complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions必ずしも悪いことではありません。それをバネにして努力し、成長の原動力にすることも可能です。
日本語ではほぼ同じ意味で使われますが、コンプレックスはより強い執着や心理的葛藤を含む場合が多いです。
他人と自分を過度に比較したり、失敗を恐れて新しいことに挑戦するのを避ける傾向があります。
他人と比較するのをやめ、過去の自分と比べて成長した点に目を向けることが有効です。
Test Yourself
彼は他人と比較してばかりで、強い___を抱いている。
文脈的に「他人と比較して」というネガティブな状況なので、劣等感が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
Inferiority complex is the feeling of being less valuable or capable than others through comparison.
- A feeling of being less capable than others.
- Often stems from social comparison.
- Can be overcome through personal growth.
Focus on your own progress
Instead of comparing yourself to others, track your own improvements. This helps shift your focus from lack to growth.
Avoid excessive social media use
Social media often highlights others' successes, which can trigger unnecessary feelings of inferiority. Take breaks when you feel down.
Humility in Japanese culture
In Japan, being humble is valued, but excessive self-deprecation can sometimes be confused with a deep-seated inferiority complex.
Examples
4 of 4彼女は自分の学歴に劣等感を感じている。
She feels an inferiority complex about her educational background.
幼少期の経験が、彼の劣等感の原因となった。
Childhood experiences became the cause of his inferiority complex.
そんな劣等感、捨てちゃえよ！
Just throw away that inferiority complex!
社会学的観点から劣等感を分析する。
Analyzing the inferiority complex from a sociological perspective.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
