意識不明になる in 30 Seconds
- Means 'to lose consciousness' in a serious or medical context.
- Commonly used in news reports and hospital settings for accidents.
- Formed by 'ishiki' (consciousness), 'fumei' (unknown), and 'naru' (become).
- More formal and grave than the casual 'ki o ushinau' (to pass out).
The Japanese verbal phrase 意識不明になる (ishiki fumei ni naru) is a critical expression used to describe the state of losing consciousness or falling into a coma. It is composed of three distinct parts: ishiki (consciousness), fumei (unclear/unknown), and the verb naru (to become). Literally, it translates to 'consciousness becomes unknown.' While it sounds clinical, it is the standard way to report medical emergencies, accidents, or serious health conditions in both formal news media and daily conversation when a high level of gravity is required.
- Medical Context
- In a medical or emergency setting, this phrase is used to describe a patient who is unresponsive to external stimuli. It is often paired with the duration of the state, such as 'for three days' or 'immediately after the impact.'
- News and Reporting
- Journalists use this specific phrase to describe victims of traffic accidents, natural disasters, or violent crimes when their survival is uncertain or they are in critical condition.
- Literature and Drama
- In storytelling, it heightens the drama of a scene, indicating a character's vulnerability or the severity of an injury sustained during a conflict.
事故の直後、運転手は意識不明になった。(Immediately after the accident, the driver lost consciousness.)
祖父は脳梗塞で倒れ、そのまま意識不明になった。(My grandfather collapsed from a stroke and lost consciousness just like that.)
- Grammatical Breakdown
- The phrase follows the [Noun] + [Adjective/Noun] + になる pattern. Here, 'ishiki fumei' acts as a compound noun/adjective describing the state of the subject.
Using 意識不明になる correctly requires understanding its role as a change-of-state verb. It describes the transition from being awake to being unconscious. Because it is a serious term, the surrounding grammar usually reflects a formal or descriptive tone.
- Past Tense Usage
- The most common form is '意識不明になった' (became unconscious). This is used in reporting events that have already transpired. Example: '彼は一晩中意識不明になった' (He was unconscious all night).
- Ongoing State (Te-iru)
- To describe someone who is currently unconscious, you use '意識不明になっている'. This emphasizes the continuation of the state. Example: '患者は現在も意識不明になっている' (The patient is still unconscious now).
熱中症で倒れて、意識不明になる人が増えています。(The number of people who collapse from heatstroke and lose consciousness is increasing.)
ボクサーは強烈なパンチを受けて、意識不明になった。(The boxer received a powerful punch and lost consciousness.)
- Conditional Forms
- When discussing medical risks, you might use '意識不明になると' (If/When one becomes unconscious...). Example: '大量に出血すると、意識不明になる恐れがあります' (If there is heavy bleeding, there is a fear of losing consciousness).
You will encounter 意識不明になる in several specific domains of Japanese life. It is not a word for lighthearted banter, but rather one that carries the weight of life and death situations.
- NHK News and Newspapers
- Every day, news anchors use this phrase to update the public on the status of accident victims. It is the gold standard for objective reporting on a person's lack of responsiveness.
- Hospital Waiting Rooms
- Doctors use this term when speaking to families. It is more professional and less emotionally charged than saying 'he won't wake up,' though it implies the same thing.
ニュース：山道で遭難した男性が発見されましたが、意識不明になっています。(News: A man who went missing on a mountain path was found, but he is currently unconscious.)
ドラマ：被害者は病院に運ばれましたが、意識不明になったままです。(Drama: The victim was taken to the hospital, but remains unconscious.)
Students of Japanese often confuse 意識不明になる (ishiki fumei ni naru) with related terms like 気絶する (kizetsu suru) or 倒れる (taoreru). Each has a specific nuance that must be observed to avoid sounding insensitive or inaccurate.
- Confusion with 気絶する (Kizetsu suru)
- 'Kizetsu' is synonymous with fainting. It is often used for shorter, less life-threatening episodes of loss of consciousness, such as from fear or a sudden drop in blood pressure. 'Ishiki fumei ni naru' is much more serious and suggests a medically critical state.
- Confusion with 倒れる (Taoreru)
- 'Taoreru' simply means 'to fall over' or 'to collapse.' While someone who collapses often loses consciousness, 'taoreru' only describes the physical act of falling. You might say 'He collapsed AND lost consciousness' (Taorete ishiki fumei ni natta).
間違った例：映画を見て驚いて意識不明になった。 (Incorrect: I was so surprised by the movie I lost consciousness.)
正しい例：彼は交通事故で重傷を負い、意識不明になった。(Correct: He was severely injured in a traffic accident and lost consciousness.)
Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing states of consciousness. Depending on the level of formality and the medical severity, you may choose alternative terms.
- 気絶する (Kizetsu suru)
- Focuses on the sudden act of fainting. Commonly used in casual conversation and fiction.
- 失神する (Shisshin suru)
- A more formal medical term for fainting, often used in clinical reports or formal speech.
- 気を失う (Ki o ushinau)
- A standard, everyday phrase for 'to pass out.' It is slightly more narrative and emotional than 'ishiki fumei ni naru.'
比較：彼はショックで気を失った vs 彼は事故で意識不明になった。(Comparison: He passed out from shock vs He became unconscious due to an accident.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The 'fumei' part of the word is the same 'mei' used in 'meisai' (details) and 'meiryo' (clear). So 'fumei' literally means 'details are not clear.'
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'fumei' as 'fumi.'
- Putting too much stress on 'ni.'
- Forgetting the long vowel in 'fumei.'
- Pronouncing 'ishiki' like 'ichiki.'
- Making the 'r' in 'naru' too hard like an English 'r'.
Difficulty Rating
Requires knowledge of N2-level kanji like '意識' and '不明'.
Kanji for 'ishiki' (意識) are complex to write by hand.
The phrase is long but follows standard 'ni naru' patterns.
Very distinct sound, often used in news clear and slow.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + になる
医者になる (Become a doctor)
Te-form for Cause
頭を打って、意識不明になった (Hit head and became unconscious)
Mama (Continuing state)
意識不明になったままだ (Remains unconscious)
Relative Clauses
意識不明になった人 (The person who became unconscious)
Sou desu (Hearsay)
意識不明になったそうです (I heard they became unconscious)
Examples by Level
かれは じこで いしきふめいに なりました。
He became unconscious in the accident.
Uses basic polite form 'narimashita'.
おじいさんは いしきふめいに なりました。
Grandpa became unconscious.
Simple subject-verb structure.
どうして いしきふめいに なりましたか。
Why did they become unconscious?
Question form.
あついひに いしきふめいに なります。
People become unconscious on hot days.
General statement about a state.
たおれて、いしきふめいに なった。
They collapsed and became unconscious.
Te-form to connect actions.
びょうきで いしきふめいに なりました。
They became unconscious due to illness.
Particle 'de' showing cause.
すぐに いしきふめいに なった。
They became unconscious immediately.
Adverb 'sugu ni' modifying the verb.
いしきふめいに ならないでください。
Please don't lose consciousness.
Negative request form.
彼は交通事故で意識不明になった。
He became unconscious due to a traffic accident.
Uses kanji and casual past tense.
おばあちゃんが意識不明になって、心配です。
Grandma became unconscious, and I'm worried.
Te-form used to show reason for worry.
ニュースで意識不明になった人の話を聞いた。
I heard a story on the news about a person who became unconscious.
Noun modification clause.
山で倒れて意識不明になったそうです。
I heard they collapsed on the mountain and became unconscious.
Uses 'sou desu' for hearsay.
意識不明にならないように気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to lose consciousness.
Uses 'you ni' for purpose.
父は三日間、意識不明になったままでした。
My father remained unconscious for three days.
Uses 'mama' to show a continuing state.
もし意識不明になったら、救急車を呼んでください。
If they become unconscious, please call an ambulance.
Conditional 'tara' form.
彼は突然、意識不明になった。
He suddenly became unconscious.
Adverb 'totsuzen' for suddenness.
重い病気で、彼はついに意識不明になった。
Due to a heavy illness, he finally lost consciousness.
Adverb 'tsuini' shows the result of a long process.
意識不明になった患者の家族に連絡しました。
I contacted the family of the patient who became unconscious.
Relative clause modifying 'kanja' (patient).
頭を強く打って、その場で意識不明になった。
They hit their head hard and lost consciousness on the spot.
Compound sentence with 'te' form.
意識不明になった原因はまだわかっていません。
The cause of losing consciousness is not yet known.
Abstract noun 'gen'in' (cause) as the subject.
彼女は数時間、意識不明になったが、今は元気だ。
She lost consciousness for a few hours, but she is fine now.
Contrasting two states with 'ga'.
意識不明になる前に、彼は何かを言おうとした。
Before losing consciousness, he tried to say something.
Uses 'mae ni' (before).
冬の海に落ちると、すぐに意識不明になる危険がある。
If you fall into the winter sea, there is a danger of losing consciousness immediately.
Noun 'kiken' (danger) modified by the phrase.
意識不明になった友達を助けるために、一生懸命頑張った。
I worked hard to help my friend who lost consciousness.
Uses 'tame ni' for purpose.
そのボクサーは、試合中に意識不明になった状態で搬送された。
The boxer was transported while in an unconscious state during the match.
Uses 'joutai de' (in a state of) and 'hansou' (transported).
一酸化炭素中毒により、多くの人が意識不明になった。
Many people lost consciousness due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Uses 'ni yori' to indicate cause.
発見が遅れれば、彼は意識不明になっていたかもしれない。
If discovery had been delayed, he might have lost consciousness.
Conditional 'reba' and 'kamoshirenai' (might).
意識不明になるという事態は、非常に深刻なものだ。
The situation of losing consciousness is a very serious one.
Uses 'to iu jitai' to treat the phrase as a scenario.
薬の副作用で、一時的に意識不明になるケースがある。
There are cases of temporarily losing consciousness due to side effects of medication.
Uses 'keesu' (case) to describe a possibility.
彼は意識不明になったままで、回復の兆しが見えない。
He remains unconscious, and there are no signs of recovery.
Uses 'kizashi' (signs/indications).
事故の衝撃で、運転手は即座に意識不明になった。
Due to the impact of the accident, the driver immediately lost consciousness.
Uses 'sokuza ni' (instantly).
意識不明になった際、適切な応急処置が必要だ。
When someone loses consciousness, appropriate first aid is necessary.
Uses 'sai' (at the time of).
患者が意識不明になった原因を特定するため、詳細な検査が行われた。
Detailed tests were conducted to identify the cause of the patient's loss of consciousness.
Passive voice 'okonawareta' and purpose 'tame'.
意識不明になった際の法的責任の所在が、裁判で争点となった。
The location of legal responsibility when someone lost consciousness became a point of contention in court.
Formal vocabulary like 'houteki sekinin' (legal responsibility).
脳への酸素供給が絶たれると、数分で意識不明になる。
If the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, one loses consciousness in a few minutes.
Scientific description of a process.
意識不明になった被害者の証言が得られないため、捜査は難航している。
Because testimony cannot be obtained from the unconscious victim, the investigation is facing difficulties.
Uses 'nankou' (rough sailing/difficulties).
過労により意識不明になるまで働き続けるのは、現代社会の問題だ。
Continuing to work until losing consciousness due to overwork is a problem in modern society.
Uses 'made' to show the extreme limit of an action.
意識不明になった状態から奇跡的に回復した事例が報告されている。
Cases of miraculous recovery from an unconscious state have been reported.
Uses 'kisekiteki' (miraculously) and 'jirei' (case/example).
事故直後、彼は意識不明になったが、救急隊の迅速な対応で命を取り留めた。
Immediately after the accident, he lost consciousness, but his life was saved by the rapid response of the paramedics.
Uses 'inochi o toritomete' (saved his life).
意識不明になるという極限状態において、人間の脳はどう機能するのか。
How does the human brain function in the extreme state of losing consciousness?
Philosophical/Scientific inquiry.
意識不明になった個体に対する倫理的な配慮が、医療現場では常に求められる。
Ethical consideration for individuals who have lost consciousness is always required in medical settings.
Uses 'kotai' (individual/specimen) for a clinical tone.
薬物投与後、被験者が予期せず意識不明になったため、治験は直ちに中断された。
The clinical trial was immediately suspended because the subject unexpectedly lost consciousness after drug administration.
Uses 'yokisezu' (unexpectedly) and 'chiken' (clinical trial).
意識不明になるメカニズムの解明は、現代医学における最重要課題の一つである。
Elucidating the mechanism of losing consciousness is one of the most important tasks in modern medicine.
Academic structure '...no hitotsu de aru'.
意識不明になったという事実が、その契約の有効性にどのような影響を及ぼすかが焦点だ。
The focus is on how the fact of having lost consciousness affects the validity of that contract.
Uses 'eikyou o oyobosu' (to exert influence).
意識不明になったままの状態で、尊厳死を認めるべきかという議論が続いている。
The debate continues over whether death with dignity should be permitted for those who remain unconscious.
Uses 'songenshi' (death with dignity).
劇薬の摂取により、中枢神経が麻痺し、瞬時に意識不明になったと推測される。
It is inferred that the central nervous system was paralyzed by the ingestion of a powerful drug, leading to instantaneous loss of consciousness.
Uses 'suisoku sareru' (inferred).
意識不明になった際の脳波の変動を記録し、意識の境界線を探究する。
By recording fluctuations in brain waves when consciousness is lost, we explore the boundaries of consciousness.
Uses 'tankyuu suru' (to explore/investigate).
意識不明になったという報告を受け、政府は直ちに災害対策本部を設置した。
Upon receiving reports of people losing consciousness, the government immediately established a disaster response headquarters.
Uses 'secchi shita' (established).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— In a critical and unconscious state. Often used in news.
彼は意識不明の重体です。
— Remaining unconscious without waking up.
意識不明のまま一週間が過ぎた。
— A state of unconsciousness.
意識不明の状態で発見された。
— To fall into an unconscious state (more formal than 'naru').
ショックで意識不明に陥った。
— To recover from being unconscious.
奇跡的に意識不明から回復した。
— A serious injury resulting in unconsciousness.
意識不明の重傷を負った。
— To be found while unconscious.
彼は公園で意識不明で見つかった。
— An unconscious patient.
意識不明の患者を運ぶ。
— To pretend to be unconscious.
彼は意識不明を装って敵を欺いた。
— The possibility of becoming unconscious.
意識不明になる可能性が高い。
Often Confused With
Neru is voluntary sleep; ishiki fumei is involuntary and medical.
Bokeru refers to senility or being out of it mentally, not being physically unconscious.
This specifically means passing out from too much alcohol.
Idioms & Expressions
— Consciousness fades away; to begin to lose consciousness.
痛みで意識が遠のいていった。
Literary— To have one's world turn black; to faint or be overwhelmed by bad news.
ニュースを聞いて、目の前が真っ暗になった。
Casual— To sleep so soundly that one is unaware of anything (like being unconscious).
彼は白河夜船で、地震にも気づかなかった。
Idiomatic— On one's last breath; barely conscious and near death.
彼は意識不明で、もう虫の息だ。
Literary— To sleep like a log (unconscious but not medical).
疲れすぎて、泥のように眠った。
Casual— To lose consciousness or be so drunk/tired one doesn't know what's happening.
酒を飲みすぎて前後不覚になった。
Neutral— To look like one's soul has left their body; to be dazed or unconscious.
彼はショックで魂が抜けたようになっている。
Metaphorical— Out-of-body experience (often joked about when fainting).
意識不明のとき、幽体離脱した気がした。
Casual/Occult— To sleep as if dead.
彼は死んだように眠っている。
Casual— To take one's last breath (to pass away after being unconscious).
意識不明のまま、静かに息を引き取った。
FormalEasily Confused
Both mean losing consciousness.
Kizetsu is usually sudden and temporary (fainting). Ishiki fumei is more serious and long-lasting.
怖くて気絶した (Fainted from fear) vs 事故で意識不明になった (Unconscious from accident).
Both are medical terms.
Shisshin is specifically 'syncope' (fainting), whereas ishiki fumei is a broader state of being unresponsive.
貧血で失神した。
Both involve deep lack of consciousness.
Konsui is a coma. Ishiki fumei is the general state of being unconscious, which might lead to or include a coma.
一ヶ月間、昏睡状態だった。
Both involve 'not being awake.'
Inemuri is dozing off or nodding off, usually while sitting up.
授業中に居眠りする。
Both describe a lack of awareness.
Houshin is being in a daze or 'spaced out' while awake.
ショックで放心状態になった。
Sentence Patterns
[Person] は [Cause] で意識不明になった。
彼は事故で意識不明になった。
[Person] は [Time] 意識不明になったままだ。
彼女は二日間、意識不明になったままだ。
[Cause] と、意識不明になる恐れがある。
血が出すぎると、意識不明になる恐れがある。
意識不明になった [Noun] を [Action]。
意識不明になった運転手を救出した。
意識不明になったことで、[Result]。
意識不明になったことで、手術が遅れた。
意識不明になった際の [Noun] は、[Status]。
意識不明になった際の記憶は、全くない。
[Condition] 次第では、意識不明になる可能性も否定できない。
病状次第では、意識不明になる可能性も否定できない。
意識不明になるという事態を回避するために、[Action]。
意識不明になるという事態を回避するために、全力を尽くす。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in news and medical contexts; rare in casual light conversation.
-
Using 'ishiki fumei ni naru' for sleeping.
→
ぐっすり眠る (Gussuri neru)
Sleeping is a natural state; 'ishiki fumei' is a medical emergency.
-
Saying 'ishiki fumei o naru'.
→
意識不明になる (ishiki fumei ni naru)
The verb 'naru' (to become) always takes the particle 'ni'.
-
Using 'ishiki fumei' for just being 'out of it' or dazed.
→
ぼーっとする (Bootto suru)
'Ishiki fumei' means completely unresponsive, not just daydreaming.
-
Confusing 'ishiki' with 'chishiki' (knowledge).
→
意識不明 (ishiki fumei)
'Chishiki' is knowledge you learn in school; 'ishiki' is your biological awareness.
-
Using 'ishiki fumei' for a computer being off.
→
電源が切れている (Dengen ga kirete iru)
This phrase is only for living beings.
Tips
Use with 'Mama'
Pair 'ishiki fumei ni natta' with 'mama' to describe someone who hasn't woken up yet. It emphasizes the continuity of the state.
Learn 'Ishiki'
Understanding 'ishiki' (consciousness) allows you to learn many related words like 'mu-ishiki' (unconscious/automatic) and 'ishiki-teki' (intentional).
Emergency Ready
This is a vital phrase for reporting emergencies. If you see someone collapse, telling a dispatcher 'ishiki fumei desu' is very effective.
News Watching
Watch NHK news to hear this phrase. It is almost always used when reporting on traffic accidents or heatstroke during summer.
Kanji Practice
The kanji for 'ishiki' (意識) are difficult. Practice the 'kokoro' (heart) radical at the bottom of both characters to remember them.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a heavy medical term, don't use it for things like 'I was so bored I lost consciousness.' It sounds too literal and strange.
Tone Matters
In Japanese, serious news is delivered with a flat, downward-drifting intonation. This phrase will often sound very grave.
Clarity over Speed
Since the phrase is 8 moras long (i-shi-ki-fu-me-i-ni-na-ru), speak it clearly so the listener understands the gravity of the situation.
Kizetsu vs Ishiki Fumei
Remember: Kizetsu = Faint (short). Ishiki Fumei = Unconscious (serious/long).
The 'Unknown' Mind
Just remember 'Fumei' = Unknown. If your mind is unknown to you, you are unconscious.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ishiki' as 'I see key' (but you lost the key to your mind). 'Fumei' sounds like 'Foo-Me' (you can't see me because I'm out).
Visual Association
Imagine a lightbulb (consciousness) going dark (fumei) and falling over (naru).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write a short news report about a fictional superhero who saves someone who became 'ishiki fumei ni naru'.
Word Origin
The phrase is a combination of Sinitic (Kango) roots. 'Ishiki' (意識) comes from Buddhist terminology referring to the mind or discernment. 'Fumei' (不明) means 'not bright' or 'unclear.'
Original meaning: Originally, 'ishiki' referred to the six types of consciousness in Buddhism. 'Fumei' meant lack of wisdom or light.
Japanese (Sino-Japanese vocabulary + Native Japanese verb).Cultural Context
Be careful when using this with family members of someone who is ill; it is a very clinical and serious term that can be upsetting.
In English, we might say 'in a coma' or 'passed out,' but 'ishiki fumei' sits right in the middle—more serious than 'passed out' but not necessarily a permanent 'coma.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Traffic Accident
- 正面衝突で意識不明になる
- 病院へ搬送中に意識不明になる
- 運転手が意識不明になる
- 意識不明の重体と発表される
Natural Disaster
- 土砂崩れに巻き込まれ意識不明になる
- 津波で意識不明の状態で発見される
- 避難所で意識不明になる
- 低体温症で意識不明になる
Medical Emergency
- 心臓発作で意識不明になる
- アレルギー反応で意識不明になる
- 手術中に意識不明になる
- 意識不明の原因を調べる
Crime/Assault
- 殴られて意識不明になる
- 毒を盛られて意識不明になる
- 絞殺されかけて意識不明になる
- 意識不明の被害者
Sports/Exercise
- 熱中症で意識不明になる
- タックルを受けて意識不明になる
- マラソン中に意識不明になる
- 意識不明になるほど追い込む
Conversation Starters
"ニュースで、あの俳優が意識不明になったって聞いた？"
"もし道で意識不明になっている人を見つけたら、どうする？"
"熱中症で意識不明にならないように、水を飲みましょう。"
"事故のあと、彼はどのくらい意識不明だったの？"
"意識不明の状態から回復した人の話、知ってる？"
Journal Prompts
今日、ニュースで『意識不明になった』という言葉を何回聞きましたか？その状況を書いてください。
もしあなたが意識不明になったら、誰に一番最初に知らせてほしいですか？
あなたが知っている、意識不明から奇跡的に回復したニュースや映画のストーリーを説明してください。
『意識不明になる』という言葉を使って、ドラマのワンシーンを想像して書いてください。
健康管理において、意識不明にならないために気をつけていることはありますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a neutral/formal phrase. To make it more polite, use 'ishiki fumei ni narimashita' or the honorific 'ishiki fumei ni nararemashita' (though the latter is rare as it is a negative event).
No. Using this for a sleeping person would imply they are in a medical emergency. Use 'jukusuu' or 'doronoyouni neru' instead.
You say 'ishiki ga modoru' (consciousness returns) or 'ishiki o torimodosu' (to regain consciousness).
'Ishiki ga nai' is a simple description (has no consciousness). 'Ishiki fumei' is the specific term used in news and medicine to mean 'unresponsive and state unknown.'
Yes, it is very common in drama, mystery, and action stories to describe a character's condition after a fight or accident.
Use 'de' (で). For example: 'Kaze de' (due to a cold), 'Jiko de' (due to an accident).
Yes, that would mean 'to make someone unconscious' (causative-like usage). For example: 'Hannin wa kare o ishiki fumei ni shita' (The criminal made him unconscious).
No, 'fumei' can be used with many things, like 'juusho fumei' (address unknown) or 'gen'in fumei' (cause unknown).
Use 'ishiki fumei no joutai' (a state of unconsciousness) or 'ishiki fumei ni natte iru'.
In headlines, you might just see 'ishiki fumei' (Unconscious). In conversation, 'ki o ushinau' is slightly shorter and easier.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Translate to Japanese: 'He became unconscious after hitting his head.'
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Write a sentence using '意識不明になる' and '熱中症' (heatstroke).
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Translate: 'The driver is still unconscious.'
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Write a sentence using '意識不明になる' and '病院' (hospital).
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Translate: 'The cause of her unconsciousness is unknown.'
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Write a sentence describing a hero saving an unconscious person.
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Translate: 'Many people became unconscious due to the gas leak.'
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Write a sentence using '意識不明になる' and 'ニュース'.
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Translate: 'The boxer lost consciousness after a punch.'
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Translate: 'If you fall into cold water, you will lose consciousness.'
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Translate: 'He suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness.'
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Translate: 'The patient became unconscious again.'
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Translate: 'He is in a critical state and unconscious.'
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Translate: 'He lost consciousness for a moment.'
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Translate: 'The number of people who lose consciousness is increasing.'
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Translate: 'He was found unconscious in the park.'
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Translate: 'It is dangerous to lose consciousness while driving.'
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Translate: 'He lost consciousness for three days.'
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
意識不明になる (ishiki fumei ni naru) is the standard Japanese phrase for losing consciousness in life-threatening or serious medical situations. For example: 彼は事故で意識不明になった (He lost consciousness in the accident).
- Means 'to lose consciousness' in a serious or medical context.
- Commonly used in news reports and hospital settings for accidents.
- Formed by 'ishiki' (consciousness), 'fumei' (unknown), and 'naru' (become).
- More formal and grave than the casual 'ki o ushinau' (to pass out).
Use with 'Mama'
Pair 'ishiki fumei ni natta' with 'mama' to describe someone who hasn't woken up yet. It emphasizes the continuity of the state.
Learn 'Ishiki'
Understanding 'ishiki' (consciousness) allows you to learn many related words like 'mu-ishiki' (unconscious/automatic) and 'ishiki-teki' (intentional).
Emergency Ready
This is a vital phrase for reporting emergencies. If you see someone collapse, telling a dispatcher 'ishiki fumei desu' is very effective.
News Watching
Watch NHK news to hear this phrase. It is almost always used when reporting on traffic accidents or heatstroke during summer.
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異常な
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禁酒
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急性的
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