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食欲不振

B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

食欲不振

shokuyoku fushin Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 食欲不振 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 食欲不振 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) yet because it is quite formal. Instead, you usually learn '食欲' (shokuyoku) which means 'appetite' and 'ない' (nai) which means 'is not.' So, you would say '食欲がない' (shokuyoku ga nai) to mean 'I have no appetite.' However, it is good to recognize the kanji '食' (eat) and '欲' (want). If you see this word in a pharmacy, just know it means 'I don't want to eat because I feel sick.' Think of it as a sign that someone's stomach is not happy. At this stage, focus on the basic idea: 'Food' + 'Desire' + 'Not Good.' This will help you understand that the person is having trouble eating. You might see this on a medicine bottle for a stomach ache. Don't worry about using it in your own speech yet; just try to remember that 'shoku' is about food and 'fushin' is about something being in a bad state or a slump.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific words for health and symptoms. '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) is a useful word to recognize when you go to a Japanese clinic or look at medicine. It is a noun. You can use it in a simple sentence like '食欲不振です' (I have a loss of appetite). It's more formal than '食欲がない.' You will often see it in textbooks when talking about '夏バテ' (summer fatigue). In Japan, the summer is very hot, and people often lose their appetite. This is a common topic of conversation. You should understand that '不振' (fushin) means something is not going well. So, your 'desire to eat' is not going well. When you talk to a teacher or a doctor, using '食欲不振' sounds more polite and precise. You can also start to notice how it is used with the particle 'で' (de) to show the reason, like '風邪で食欲不振になった' (I got a loss of appetite because of a cold).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) in both speaking and writing. This is the level where you move beyond simple descriptions and start using more adult, professional vocabulary. You should know that this word is a noun and is frequently paired with verbs like '陥る' (ochiiru - to fall into) or '訴える' (uttaeru - to complain of). For example, '彼は食欲不振を訴えている' (He is complaining of a loss of appetite). You should also understand the nuance that this is a symptom, not just a feeling. It implies that there is an underlying cause, such as stress, illness, or fatigue. You can use it to explain your condition more clearly in a work environment or a medical setting. You should also be able to distinguish it from '食欲がない'—while both mean the same thing, '食欲不振' is the term you would see on a medical form or hear in a news report about health trends. It's a key word for discussing well-being in a nuanced way.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the broader applications of the component '不振' (fushin) and how '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) fits into the Japanese health lexicon. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as '精神的なストレスが原因で、深刻な食欲不振に陥ってしまった' (Due to psychological stress, I fell into a serious state of loss of appetite). You should also recognize it in clinical contexts, such as side effects for medication or symptoms of specific diseases like '胃潰瘍' (gastric ulcers). At this level, you should also be aware of related terms like '食欲減退' (shokuyoku gentai - decline in appetite) and know when to use each. You should be able to discuss the social implications of loss of appetite in Japan, such as its connection to the 'overwork culture' or seasonal changes. Your ability to use 'shokuyoku fushin' correctly in a formal written report or a detailed conversation about health will demonstrate your command of mid-to-high level Japanese vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) and its place in medical and academic discourse. You should be able to read medical journals or sophisticated health articles where this term is used to describe patient symptoms in detail. You should understand the kanji nuances perfectly—how '不振' denotes a lack of activity or a slump in a system that should be functioning. You can use the term in professional settings, such as discussing public health statistics or clinical trials. For instance, you might discuss how '高齢者の食欲不振' (loss of appetite in the elderly) is a precursor to 'フレイル' (frailty) in geriatric medicine. You should also be able to use it metaphorically or in highly formal contexts, and understand its synonymous relationship with more technical terms like '摂食困難' (difficulty in eating). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are understanding the physiological and psychological systems it represents within the Japanese linguistic framework.

At the C2 level, '食欲不振' (shokuyoku fushin) is a basic building block for much more complex discussions. You should be able to analyze the word's usage across different historical periods or in classical-style medical texts if necessary. You can differentiate between 'shokuyoku fushin' as a subjective symptom reported by a patient and 'anorexia' as an objective clinical sign. You should be able to use the word with total fluidly in high-stakes environments, such as medical interpreting, translating pharmaceutical documentation, or delivering a lecture on health. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic cues when a speaker chooses 'shokuyoku fushin' over 'shoku ga susumanai' to convey a specific level of clinical distance or emotional detachment. Furthermore, you can identify how this term interacts with Japanese cultural concepts of 'hara' (the gut) as the center of health and emotion, and how a 'slump' in the gut's desire reflects a broader systemic disharmony in the individual's life or environment.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

食欲不振 in 30 Seconds

食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) is the formal Japanese term for 'loss of appetite,' commonly used in medical and professional contexts to describe a health symptom.
It is a compound of 'shokuyoku' (appetite) and 'fushin' (slump), indicating that the desire to eat is not functioning as it should be.
The word is frequently seen on medicine labels, heard in doctor's offices, and used to describe the effects of summer heat or psychological stress.
While 'shokuyoku ga nai' is more common in casual speech, 'shokuyoku fushin' is necessary for formal situations and precise medical descriptions.

The Japanese term 食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) is a formal yet commonly used noun that translates directly to "loss of appetite" or "poor appetite." To understand its full weight, one must look at its constituent parts: 食 (shoku) meaning 'eating' or 'food,' 欲 (yoku) meaning 'desire' or 'want,' and 不振 (fushin) meaning 'slump,' 'stagnation,' or 'lack of vigor.' When combined, it describes a physiological or psychological state where the natural urge to consume food is significantly diminished or entirely absent. This word is a staple in medical contexts, health consultations, and formal discussions about well-being, but it is also frequently heard in daily life when someone is feeling under the weather or stressed.

Clinical Nuance: In a medical setting, a doctor will ask if you have 'shokuyoku fushin' to determine if your body is reacting to an underlying illness, such as a virus, digestive issues, or even mental health struggles like depression.

最近、ストレスのせいで食欲不振が続いています。 (Lately, due to stress, I have been experiencing a continuous loss of appetite.)

Unlike the casual phrase 'onaka ga suiteinai' (I'm not hungry), which might just mean you ate recently, shokuyoku fushin implies a condition or a symptom that lasts over a period. It suggests that the body's normal rhythm is disrupted. In Japan, where the culture places high value on seasonal health, you will often hear this word during the humid summer months in relation to 夏バテ (natsubate), or summer heat exhaustion. During this time, the heat and humidity are so oppressive that many people lose their desire to eat heavy meals, leading to a temporary state of loss of appetite.

Kanji Breakdown: The 'fushin' (不振) part is particularly interesting as it is also used in business (gyouseki fushin - poor business performance) and sports (daageki fushin - batting slump), indicating a failure to thrive or perform as expected.

高齢者の食欲不振は深刻な問題になり得ます。 (Loss of appetite in the elderly can become a serious problem.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with verbs like 訴える (uttaeru - to complain of/report) or 陥る (ochiiru - to fall into). When a patient goes to a clinic, the nurse might record 'shokuyoku fushin wo uttaete iru' (the patient is complaining of loss of appetite). This level of precision is vital in Japanese communication, where differentiating between a temporary lack of hunger and a symptomatic loss of appetite can change the course of a conversation or a medical diagnosis.

Social Context: In social settings, if someone notices you aren't eating much, you might use this term to explain that you aren't being rude to the host, but rather that you are physically unable to eat due to your condition.

風邪の初期症状として、食欲不振が現れることが多いです。 (Loss of appetite often appears as an early symptom of a cold.)

Using 食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its common grammatical pairings. While it describes a state, it is almost always used with specific particles and verbs to indicate the cause, the duration, or the action of reporting the symptom. Because it is a four-kanji compound (yojijukugo-style, though not a traditional idiom), it carries a level of formality that makes it suitable for writing, medical reports, and polite conversation.

The 'Ni Naru' Pattern: The most common way to say you have lost your appetite is 'shokuyoku fushin ni naru' (to become in a state of loss of appetite). This focuses on the transition from a healthy state to a symptomatic one.

夏バテで食欲不振になったときは、そうめんが食べやすいです。 (When you lose your appetite due to summer fatigue, somen noodles are easy to eat.)

Another frequent construction involves the particle を (wo) followed by verbs like 伴う (tomonau - to accompany) or 引き起こす (hikiokosu - to cause). This is very common in medical explanations or health-related articles. For instance, a medicine's side effects might be listed as 'shokuyoku fushin wo tomonau baai ga arimasu' (There are cases where it is accompanied by a loss of appetite). This objective description is a hallmark of professional Japanese.

The 'Ga Tsuzuku' Pattern: To describe a persistent state, use 'shokuyoku fushin ga tsuzuku' (loss of appetite continues). This emphasizes the duration of the symptom, which is often a key detail for doctors.

一週間以上食欲不振が続く場合は、病院へ行ってください。 (If the loss of appetite continues for more than a week, please go to the hospital.)

In terms of causative factors, the particle による (ni yoru - due to) is frequently employed. You might see phrases like 'seishinteki sutoresu ni yoru shokuyoku fushin' (loss of appetite due to psychological stress). This structure allows for clear communication of cause and effect. It is also worth noting that in spoken Japanese, people might shorten the concept to 'shokuyoku ga nai' (I have no appetite), but 'shokuyoku fushin' remains the preferred term for any situation requiring a degree of descriptive precision.

The 'Kaisetsu' (Explanation) Style: In textbooks or health guides, you will see 'shokuyoku fushin no kaizen' (improvement of loss of appetite). Here, it acts as a compound noun modifying another noun.

この漢方薬は食欲不振の改善に効果があります。 (This herbal medicine is effective in improving loss of appetite.)

The word 食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) is surprisingly ubiquitous in Japan, appearing in places ranging from high-tech hospitals to the local drugstore and even on the evening news. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its register and urgency. It is not a word reserved for the dying; rather, it is a standard descriptor for anyone whose health is slightly off-kilter.

Pharmacy and Drugstores: Walk into any Japanese drugstore like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Welcia, and you will see 'shokuyoku fushin' printed in bold letters on the packaging of stomach medicines (ichou-yaku) and nutritional drinks (eiyou-dorinku).

「胃もたれ、胸やけ、食欲不振に効く薬を探しています。」 ("I am looking for medicine that works for heavy stomach, heartburn, and loss of appetite.")

In television commercials, especially during the change of seasons, pharmaceutical companies target workers who might be experiencing fatigue. The narrator will often list symptoms in a rhythmic fashion: 'Tsukare, darusa, shokuyoku fushin ni...' (For fatigue, sluggishness, and loss of appetite...). This reinforces the word's association with general malaise and the busy lifestyle of urban Japan.

The Doctor's Consultation Room: In a 'naika' (internal medicine) clinic, the doctor will almost certainly use this word. Instead of asking 'Are you hungry?', they will ask, 'Shokuyoku fushin wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have a loss of appetite?). It is the professional way to address the symptom.

医者：「いつから食欲不振が始まりましたか？」 (Doctor: "When did the loss of appetite begin?")

You will also hear this word in the context of pet care. Veterinary clinics in Japan use the same terminology. If a cat or dog isn't eating, the vet will describe it as 'shokuyoku fushin.' This shows the word's versatility in describing any living being's physiological slump. Furthermore, in news reports regarding public health or heatwave warnings, 'shokuyoku fushin' is used to warn citizens about the early signs of heatstroke (netsuchuushou). It serves as a linguistic red flag for the population to take care of their hydration and nutrition.

Workplace and School: While less common in casual breakroom gossip, it appears in official health checkup (kenkou shindan) results and school nurse (hoken-shitsu) reports.

健康診断の結果、食欲不振の原因を調べる必要があります。 (As a result of the health checkup, it is necessary to investigate the cause of the loss of appetite.)

While 食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) is a straightforward term, English speakers and Japanese learners often make subtle errors in its application, register, and kanji usage. One of the most common pitfalls is confusing it with more severe psychological disorders or using it in a way that sounds unnaturally stiff in a very casual setting. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding like a natural speaker.

Confusion with Anorexia Nervosa: In English, 'anorexia' can refer to the symptom (loss of appetite) or the eating disorder (anorexia nervosa). In Japanese, these are strictly separated. 'Shokuyoku fushin' is just the symptom. The eating disorder is called 拒食症 (kyoshokushou). Using 'shokuyoku fushin' to describe a clinical eating disorder is technically incomplete and misses the psychological component.

❌ 彼女は食欲不振という病気です。 (She has a disease called loss of appetite - *Incorrect context*)
✅ 彼女は拒食症で、食欲不振に苦しんでいます。 (She has anorexia nervosa and suffers from loss of appetite.)

Another mistake involves the verb collocation. Learners often try to 'eat' or 'do' loss of appetite. You cannot say 'shokuyoku fushin wo suru.' Instead, you must use になる (ni naru), に陥る (ni ochiiru), or を訴える (wo uttaeru). Treating it as a simple suru-verb is a common grammatical error. It is a noun that describes a condition, not an action you perform.

Overusing the Formal Term: If you are with close friends and just don't feel like eating because you had a big snack, saying 'I am experiencing shokuyoku fushin' sounds like you are reading from a medical textbook. In casual settings, 'shokuyoku ga nai' (I have no appetite) or 'tabetaku nai' (I don't want to eat) is much more natural.

❌ (To a friend) ケーキはいりません。食欲不振ですから。 (I don't need cake. Because I have a clinical loss of appetite.)
✅ (To a friend) ケーキはいらないよ。今、食欲ないんだ。 (I don't need cake. I don't have an appetite right now.)

Finally, watch out for the kanji for 振 (shin). It is often confused with 震 (shin) as in 'earthquake' (jishin). While they sound the same, 振 refers to swinging or prosperity/performance, whereas 震 refers to shaking or quaking. Writing '食欲不震' is a common kanji mistake even for native speakers in a hurry, but it completely changes the visual meaning to 'appetite quaking,' which makes no sense.

Misunderstanding 'Fushin': Sometimes learners think 'fushin' means 'bad' in a general sense. However, it specifically means a slump in performance or activity. It's not that your appetite is 'evil,' but that it is 'underperforming.'

In Japanese, there are several ways to express the idea of not wanting to eat or having a poor appetite. Choosing the right one depends on the context, the severity of the feeling, and who you are talking to. While 食欲不振 (shokuyoku fushin) is the clinical and formal standard, other phrases offer more nuance for daily life or descriptive writing.

食欲がない (Shokuyoku ga nai): This is the most common and versatile alternative. It literally means 'there is no appetite.' It can be used for anything from 'I'm not that hungry' to 'I'm feeling sick.' It is the neutral version of shokuyoku fushin.

今日はあまり食欲がないので、サラダだけにします。 (I don't have much of an appetite today, so I'll just have a salad.)

Another elegant phrase is 食が進まない (shoku ga susumanai). This literally translates to 'the food does not proceed.' It is used when you have food in front of you but you can't seem to make much progress in eating it, perhaps because of worry, heat, or the taste. It describes the act of eating being difficult, rather than the internal desire being absent.

食べられない (Taberarenai): This is the potential negative form of 'to eat,' meaning 'cannot eat.' It is more direct and focuses on the physical inability to consume food, often due to nausea or a sore throat.

胃腸炎で何も食べられません。 (I can't eat anything because of gastroenteritis.)

For more clinical or severe contexts, you might see 食欲減退 (shokuyoku gentai). This means 'decline in appetite.' It is very similar to shokuyoku fushin but emphasizes the reduction or 'ebbing away' of the desire to eat. It is often used in scientific papers or detailed medical histories to describe a gradual loss of interest in food.

Comparison Table

食欲不振: Formal, clinical, describes a condition/slump.
食欲がない: Common, conversational, simple lack of desire.
食が進まない: Focuses on the difficulty of the act of eating.
食欲減退: Academic, focuses on the process of declining appetite.

夏場は多くの人が食欲不振や食欲減退を経験します。 (In the summer, many people experience loss of appetite or a decline in appetite.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'fushin' (不振) is used for appetite, it is most famously used in Japan to describe the economy (keiki fushin) or a baseball player's batting slump (daageki fushin).

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃokɯjoːkɯ ɸɯʃin

US ʃoʊkuːjoʊkuː fuːʃɪn

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Shokuyoku' generally has a low-high-high-high pitch, and 'fushin' has a low-high-high pitch.

Rhymes With

Mushin (无心 - mindless) Kushin (苦心 - hard work) Zenshin (前進 - progress) Koushin (更新 - update) Tokushin (納得 - conviction/consent) Kanshin (関心 - interest) Denshin (電信 - telegraph) Saishin (最新 - latest)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fushin' as 'fu-shin' with a heavy English 'f'. In Japanese, it's a soft breath between the lips.
Mistaking the pitch and making it sound like 'fushin' (distrust - 不信).
Elongating the 'o' in 'shoku' too much.
Failing to pronounce the 'n' at the end clearly.
Confusing 'shokuyoku' with 'shokuryou' (food supplies).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are standard but require B1-B2 level knowledge to read quickly.

Writing 5/5

Writing '振' and '欲' correctly from memory can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you know the word.

Listening 3/5

Clear four-syllable rhythm makes it easy to spot in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

食欲 (Appetite) 不 (Not) 振る (To shake/swing) 病気 (Illness) お腹 (Stomach)

Learn Next

倦怠感 (Fatigue) 胃もたれ (Heavy stomach) 消化不良 (Indigestion) 栄養失調 (Malnutrition) 拒食症 (Anorexia nervosa)

Advanced

摂食障害 (Eating disorder) 代謝 (Metabolism) 自律神経失調症 (Autonomic imbalance) 更年期障害 (Menopause symptoms) 低栄養 (Under-nutrition)

Grammar to Know

Noun + になる (Change of State)

食欲不振になる。

Noun + を訴える (Reporting Symptoms)

食欲不振を訴える。

Noun + に陥る (Falling into a state)

食欲不振に陥る。

Noun + に伴う (Accompanying)

食欲不振に伴う倦怠感。

Noun + による (Due to)

ストレスによる食欲不振。

Examples by Level

食欲がないです。

I have no appetite.

Simple 'nai' (is not) construction.

風邪で食欲がありません。

I have no appetite because of a cold.

Using 'de' to show the reason.

食欲はありますか？

Do you have an appetite?

Question form with 'wa'.

今日は食欲不振です。

I have a loss of appetite today.

Using the noun directly with 'desu'.

暑いから食欲がない。

I have no appetite because it's hot.

Casual 'kara' for reason.

お腹が空きません。食欲不振かな？

I'm not hungry. Maybe loss of appetite?

Using 'kana' for uncertainty.

少し食欲があります。

I have a little appetite.

Using 'sukoshi' as an adverb.

薬を飲んで食欲不振になりました。

I got a loss of appetite after taking medicine.

Using 'ni narimashita' for change in state.

夏バテで食欲不振になる人が多いです。

Many people lose their appetite due to summer fatigue.

Noun + 'ni naru' (to become).

食欲不振の時は、うどんがいいですよ。

When you have a loss of appetite, udon is good.

Noun + 'no toki' (when...).

最近、ずっと食欲不振が続いています。

Lately, I've had a continuous loss of appetite.

Verb 'tsuzuku' (to continue).

食欲不振は病気のサインかもしれません。

Loss of appetite might be a sign of illness.

Using 'kamoshirenai' (might be).

犬が食欲不振なので、病院へ連れて行きます。

My dog has a loss of appetite, so I'll take him to the vet.

Applying the term to animals.

ストレスで食欲不振になりましたか？

Did you lose your appetite due to stress?

Question about cause.

食欲不振を治すために、ゆっくり休みます。

I will rest well to cure my loss of appetite.

Using 'tame ni' (in order to).

この薬の副作用は食欲不振です。

The side effect of this medicine is loss of appetite.

Defining a side effect.

患者は一週間前から食欲不振を訴えています。

The patient has been complaining of loss of appetite since a week ago.

Formal verb 'uttaeru' (to complain of symptoms).

過度なダイエットは食欲不振を引き起こす可能性があります。

Excessive dieting may cause a loss of appetite.

Verb 'hikiokosu' (to cause/trigger).

食欲不振に加えて、微熱もあります。

In addition to loss of appetite, I also have a slight fever.

Using 'ni kuwaete' (in addition to).

精神的なショックで食欲不振に陥った。

I fell into a state of loss of appetite due to emotional shock.

Verb 'ochiiru' (to fall into a negative state).

食欲不振を解消するためのレシピを紹介します。

Here are some recipes to resolve loss of appetite.

Verb 'kaishou suru' (to resolve/eliminate).

胃の調子が悪く、食欲不振が激しいです。

My stomach is in bad shape, and the loss of appetite is severe.

Adjective 'hageshii' (severe/intense).

長引く食欲不振は、専門医に相談すべきです。

You should consult a specialist about prolonged loss of appetite.

Using 'subeki' (should/ought to).

高齢になると、どうしても食欲不振になりがちです。

As people get older, they tend to lose their appetite.

Grammar pattern 'ni narigachi' (tend to become).

この症状は、典型的な食欲不振の兆候です。

This symptom is a typical sign of loss of appetite.

Noun 'choukou' (sign/indication).

自律神経の乱れが、食欲不振を招くことがあります。

A disturbance in the autonomic nervous system can lead to loss of appetite.

Verb 'maneku' (to invite/lead to - negative results).

食欲不振に伴い、体重が大幅に減少した。

Along with the loss of appetite, my weight decreased significantly.

Pattern 'ni tomonai' (along with/accompanying).

漢方薬を服用してから、食欲不振が改善されました。

Since I started taking herbal medicine, my loss of appetite has improved.

Passive verb 'kaizen sareta' (was improved).

彼は極度の疲労から食欲不振に陥っている。

He has fallen into a loss of appetite due to extreme fatigue.

Noun 'kyokudo' (extreme).

食欲不振を放置すると、体力が低下します。

If you leave loss of appetite untreated, your physical strength will decline.

Verb 'houchi suru' (to leave alone/neglect).

検査の結果、食欲不振の具体的な原因は見つかりませんでした。

As a result of the tests, no specific cause for the loss of appetite was found.

Adjective 'gutaiteki' (specific/concrete).

気分転換をすることで、食欲不振が解消されることもあります。

Loss of appetite can sometimes be resolved by having a change of pace.

Noun 'kibun tenkan' (change of pace/mood).

慢性的な食欲不振は、深刻な基礎疾患の可能性を示唆している。

Chronic loss of appetite suggests the possibility of a serious underlying disease.

Verb 'shisa suru' (to suggest/imply).

抗がん剤治療の副作用として、激しい食欲不振に見舞われる患者は少なくない。

Quite a few patients suffer from severe loss of appetite as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Verb 'mimawareru' (to be hit by/suffer from).

食欲不振のメカニズムを解明するための研究が進められている。

Research is underway to clarify the mechanism of loss of appetite.

Verb 'kaimei suru' (to clarify/elucidate).

うつ病の初期段階において、食欲不振は非常に重要な診断指標となる。

In the early stages of depression, loss of appetite is a very important diagnostic indicator.

Noun 'shindan shihyou' (diagnostic indicator).

食欲不振が持続する場合、栄養失調への対策が急務である。

If loss of appetite persists, measures against malnutrition are an urgent matter.

Noun 'kyuumu' (urgent task/matter).

心理的葛藤が身体化され、食欲不振として現れることがある。

Psychological conflict can be somatized and manifest as a loss of appetite.

Verb 'shintaika sareru' (to be somatized).

その新薬は、食欲不振を最小限に抑えるよう設計されている。

The new drug is designed to minimize loss of appetite.

Verb 'osaeru' (to suppress/keep down).

食欲不振に陥った際の栄養補給には、高カロリーのゼリーが有効だ。

High-calorie jellies are effective for nutritional supplementation when one has lost their appetite.

Noun 'eiyou hokyuu' (nutritional supplementation).

終末期医療において、食欲不振は自然な生理現象の一部として捉えられることもある。

In terminal care, loss of appetite is sometimes viewed as part of a natural physiological phenomenon.

Noun 'shuumatsuki iryou' (terminal care).

摂食調節中枢の異常が、難治性の食欲不振を誘発していると考えられている。

It is thought that abnormalities in the feeding regulation center are inducing intractable loss of appetite.

Adjective 'nanchisei' (intractable/hard to cure).

食欲不振という主訴の裏に隠された、患者の心理的背景を洞察する必要がある。

It is necessary to gain insight into the psychological background hidden behind the primary complaint of loss of appetite.

Noun 'shuso' (primary complaint in medical terms).

当該疾患の増悪に伴い、食欲不振の程度も顕著に悪化した。

As the disease exacerbated, the degree of loss of appetite also worsened significantly.

Noun 'zouaku' (exacerbation).

食欲不振を単なる症状としてではなく、生体防御反応の一環として再定義する試みがある。

There are attempts to redefine loss of appetite not merely as a symptom, but as part of a biological defense response.

Noun 'seittai bougyo hannou' (biological defense response).

薬物動態学的な視点から、食欲不振が薬の吸収率に与える影響を考察する。

From a pharmacokinetic perspective, we will consider the effect of loss of appetite on drug absorption rates.

Noun 'yakubutsu doutaigaku' (pharmacokinetics).

食欲不振の遷延化は、患者のQOL（生活の質）を著しく低下させる要因となる。

The prolongation of loss of appetite becomes a factor that significantly lowers the patient's Quality of Life (QOL).

Noun 'sen'enka' (prolongation).

多臓器不全の兆候として、急激な食欲不振が観察された。

A rapid loss of appetite was observed as a sign of multi-organ failure.

Noun 'tazouki fuzen' (multi-organ failure).

Synonyms

食欲がない食が進まない食欲減退食べたくない小食不食拒食食が細い

Antonyms

食欲旺盛過食大食い暴飲暴食

Common Collocations

食欲不振に陥る

食欲不振を訴える

食欲不振を解消する

深刻な食欲不振

一時的な食欲不振

食欲不振の原因

食欲不振の改善

食欲不振を伴う

慢性的食欲不振

食欲不振の兆候

Common Phrases

食欲不振になる

— To lose one's appetite. This is the standard way to describe the onset of the condition.

風邪を引いて食欲不振になった。

食欲不振が続く

— For the loss of appetite to persist. Used to indicate duration.

一週間も食欲不振が続いている。

食欲不振を招く

— To cause or lead to a loss of appetite. Often used for external factors.

不規則な生活が食欲不振を招く。

食欲不振を感じる

— To feel a lack of appetite. Focuses on the subjective experience.

朝から強い食欲不振を感じる。

食欲不振の改善策

— Measures or solutions to improve a loss of appetite.

食欲不振の改善策を試してみる。

食欲不振に効く

— To be effective against loss of appetite (usually for medicine or food).

このお茶は食欲不振に効く。

食欲不振がひどい

— The loss of appetite is severe or intense.

夏場は食欲不振がひどくなる。

食欲不振で痩せる

— To lose weight due to a loss of appetite.

食欲不振で三キロ痩せた。

食欲不振を和らげる

— To ease or alleviate a loss of appetite.

生姜は食欲不振を和らげる効果がある。

食欲不振を放置しない

— Not to leave a loss of appetite untreated or ignored.

食欲不振を放置しないことが大切だ。

Often Confused With

食欲不振 vs 拒食症

拒食症 is the psychiatric eating disorder (Anorexia Nervosa), while 食欲不振 is the general symptom of loss of appetite.

食欲不振 vs 不信

不信 (fushin) means 'distrust' or 'lack of faith.' It sounds identical to 不振 but uses different kanji.

食欲不振 vs 消化不良

消化不良 (shouka furyou) means indigestion. While it often accompanies loss of appetite, it refers to the stomach's inability to process food, not the lack of desire to eat.

Idioms & Expressions

"食指が動かない"

— Literally 'the index finger doesn't move.' It means to not feel tempted or interested in something (often food).

豪華な料理だが、体調が悪くて食指が動かない。

Literary/Formal

"喉を通らない"

— Literally 'does not pass through the throat.' Used when someone is so upset or sick they cannot eat.

心配事で、食べ物が喉を通らない。

Idiomatic/Emotional

"箸が進まない"

— Literally 'the chopsticks do not proceed.' Used when a meal is not being eaten much.

緊張のあまり、箸が進まない。

Polite/Common

"砂を噛むよう"

— Literally 'like chewing sand.' Describes eating something that has no taste due to lack of appetite or joy.

食欲不振で、何を食べても砂を噛むようだ。

Literary

"胃が受け付けない"

— The stomach won't accept it. Used for severe nausea or loss of appetite.

脂っこいものは胃が受け付けない。

Colloquial

"食が細くなる"

— One's appetite becomes small (thin). Often used for aging.

祖父は最近、めっきり食が細くなった。

Common

"食べず嫌い"

— Disliking a food without trying it. Not a loss of appetite, but a related food behavior.

納豆を食べず嫌いするのはもったいない。

Casual

"腹八分目"

— Eating until 80% full. A healthy habit, the opposite of the results of shokuyoku fushin.

健康のために腹八分目を心がける。

Proverbial

"三度の飯より好き"

— Liking something more than three meals a day. Highlights the importance of eating.

彼は三度の飯より釣りが好きだ。

Common

"焼け石に水"

— Water on a hot stone. Used when a small remedy doesn't help a severe shokuyoku fushin.

この薬では、彼の重度の食欲不振には焼け石に水だ。

Common

Easily Confused

食欲不振 vs 食欲減退

Both mean losing appetite.

食欲不振 is more common as a general symptom. 食欲減退 sounds more academic or describes a gradual decrease.

加齢による食欲減退が目立つ。

食欲不振 vs 食が進まない

Both describe not eating much.

食が進まない is often situational (e.g., at a specific meal), while 食欲不振 is a broader physical condition.

緊張して食が進まない。

食欲不振 vs 夏バテ

Often used together.

夏バテ is the cause (summer fatigue), while 食欲不振 is one of its symptoms.

夏バテのせいで食欲不振だ。

食欲不振 vs 空腹感がない

Similar meaning.

空腹感がない (no feeling of hunger) is a more literal description of the sensation, whereas 食欲不振 is the named medical state.

一日中、空腹感がない。

食欲不振 vs 食べず嫌い

Related to not eating.

This is a psychological dislike of a specific food without trying it, not a general loss of appetite.

食べず嫌いを直したい。

Sentence Patterns

[Reason] で食欲不振になりました。

風邪で食欲不振になりました。

[Duration] 食欲不振が続いています。

三日間、食欲不振が続いています。

食欲不振を訴えて [Clinic Name] を受診した。

食欲不振を訴えて内科を受診した。

[Cause] が [Target] の食欲不振を招いた。

猛暑が高齢者の食欲不振を招いた。

食欲不振に加えて、 [Other Symptom] もある。

食欲不振に加えて、頭痛もある。

食欲不振は [Condition] の典型的な兆候である。

食欲不振は胃潰瘍の典型的な兆候である。

食欲不振の遷延化は [Result] を引き起こす。

食欲不振の遷延化は免疫力の低下を引き起こす。

食欲不振を [Concept] として捉え直す。

食欲不振を生体防御反応として捉え直す。

Word Family

Nouns

食欲 (Appetite)

不振 (Slump/Stagnation)

食欲減退 (Appetite decline)

食欲旺盛 (Vigorous appetite)

Verbs

食す (To eat - formal)

欲する (To desire)

振る (To shake/swing)

振るう (To exert/exercise power)

Adjectives

欲深い (Greedy)

振るわない (Poor/Not doing well - for performance)

胃腸 (Stomach and intestines)

消化 (Digestion)

栄養 (Nutrition)

健康 (Health)

倦怠感 (Fatigue/Languor)

How to Use It

frequency

High in medical, health-related, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '食欲不振する' (shokuyoku fushin suru). → 食欲不振になる (shokuyoku fushin ni naru).
It's a noun, not a suru-verb. You must use a linking verb like 'naru' or 'aru'.
Writing '食欲不震'. → 食欲不振.
The kanji 震 means 'quake' (as in earthquake). 振 means 'slump' or 'shake/swing'.
Using it for a clinical eating disorder like Anorexia Nervosa. → 拒食症 (kyoshokushou).
Shokuyoku fushin is just the symptom (loss of appetite), not the psychological disorder itself.
Confusing 'fushin' (slump) with 'fushin' (distrust). → Context-dependent.
In speech, they sound the same. Listen for the context of health vs. social trust.
Saying '食欲不振を食べる'. → 食欲不振で食べられない。
You cannot 'eat' a loss of appetite. Use it as a reason for not eating.

Tips

Formal Contexts

Always use '食欲不振' when filling out medical forms or talking to a doctor to ensure your symptoms are recorded accurately.

Collocations

Memorize '食欲不振に陥る' (to fall into a loss of appetite) as a set phrase for more advanced writing.

Seasonal Talk

In summer, mentioning '食欲不振' is a great way to start a conversation about the heat and how everyone is coping.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing '欲' and '振' together. The 'desire' and the 'slump' create a clear visual image of the condition.

Pitch Accent

Keep the pitch relatively flat and high after the first syllable of each word for a natural sound.

Alternatives

If you forget '食欲不振,' just say 'shokuyoku ga nai.' It's always correct and easier to remember.

Word Family

Learn 'fushin' (slump) on its own to help you understand words like 'gyouseki fushin' (business slump) later.

Reporting

When describing symptoms to a pharmacist, start with '食欲不振があって...' to get the right medicine recommendation.

TV Ads

Watch Japanese commercials for gastrointestinal medicine; you will hear this word almost every time.

Stagnation

Think of 'fushin' as something that is 'not shaking' or 'not moving,' like a stagnant pond. Your appetite is stagnant.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'SHOKU' (Shock) to your 'YOKU' (Yoke/Desire) that leaves you 'FU-SHIN' (Feeling-Slumped).

Visual Association

Visualize a battery icon for 'Appetite' that is in the red zone and not charging (stagnant).

Word Web

Health Stomach Stress Summer Medicine Doctor Fatigue Nutrition

Challenge

Try to write a diary entry in Japanese describing a time you felt sick, using '食欲不振' to explain why you didn't eat dinner.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of two Sino-Japanese (Kango) compounds: 'Shokuyoku' and 'Fushin.' 'Shokuyoku' has been used since ancient times to describe the biological urge to eat. 'Fushin' originated from the idea of something not 'shaking' or 'moving' upward as it should.

Original meaning: The original sense of 'fushin' was about a lack of prosperity or a failure to thrive in a physical or social sense.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

While it's a medical term, be careful not to confuse it with 'kyoshokushou' (anorexia nervosa) when talking about long-term eating disorders, as the latter has much more sensitive psychological connotations.

In English, 'loss of appetite' is common, but we often just say 'I'm not hungry' or 'I don't feel like eating.' Japanese speakers are more likely to use the formal term in semi-formal health contexts.

Commonly mentioned in health segments on Japanese morning 'Wide Shows'. A standard symptom listed in the 'Health and Welfare' section of Japanese newspapers. Often used in pharmaceutical ads for 'Ohta's Isan' (a famous stomach medicine).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Clinic

いつから食欲不振ですか？
食欲不振以外の症状はありますか？
食欲不振を改善する薬をください。
食欲不振が治りません。

Summer Heat (Natsubate)

暑さで食欲不振だ。
夏バテの食欲不振には梅干しがいい。
食欲不振にならないように気をつける。
毎年のように食欲不振になる。

Work Stress

仕事のストレスで食欲不振になった。
忙しすぎて食欲不振だ。
精神的な食欲不振。
食欲不振で仕事に集中できない。

Drug Side Effects

この薬は食欲不振を伴いますか？
副作用で食欲不振が出た。
食欲不振がひどい場合は服用を中止してください。
まれに食欲不振が起こります。

Caring for Elderly

祖母が食欲不振で心配だ。
高齢者の食欲不振は危険だ。
食欲不振でも食べやすいもの。
食欲不振の改善メニュー。

Conversation Starters

"最近、食欲不振気味なんですが、何かいい解決策を知っていますか？"

"夏になるといつも食欲不振になってしまうんです。皆さんはどうですか？"

"風邪を引いた後、食欲不振が続いているのですが、どうすればいいでしょうか？"

"ペットが食欲不振の時、どういう対応をしていますか？"

"ストレスで食欲不振になった時、何なら食べられますか？"

Journal Prompts

もし一週間、食欲不振が続いたら、あなたはどうしますか？病院に行きますか、それとも自分で治そうとしますか？

過去に食欲不振になった時のことを思い出して、その原因とどうやって治したかを書いてください。

「食欲不振」の時に食べたくなる日本の料理（うどん、おかゆなど）について、その理由を含めて説明してください。

現代社会でストレスによる食欲不振が増えている理由について、あなたの考えを述べてください。

健康管理において、食欲不振はどの程度重要なサインだと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is used for anything from minor stress and summer fatigue to serious medical conditions. It simply describes the state of having a poor appetite regardless of severity.

No, you cannot say 'shokuyoku fushin suru.' You should use 'shokuyoku fushin ni naru' or 'shokuyoku fushin ga aru' instead.

'食欲がない' is more casual and common in daily speech. '食欲不振' is more formal, clinical, and used in medicine or official reports.

Yes, it is perfectly normal for a vet or a pet owner to use '食欲不振' to describe a pet that isn't eating.

The 'shin' (振) in 'fushin' has the 'hand' radical (扌) on the left. Don't confuse it with '震' (shake/quake) which has the 'rain' radical (雨) on top.

Common causes include 'natsubate' (summer heat fatigue), stress from overwork, and common colds or stomach viruses.

Not necessarily. It just means you don't want to eat. Nausea is 'hakike' (吐き気). However, they often occur together.

It's better to say 'shokuyoku fushin no hito' or 'shokuyoku fushin ni natteru hito' because it's a noun, not an adjective.

The 'fushin' part is used in business (e.g., 'gyouseki fushin' - poor performance), but 'shokuyoku fushin' itself is limited to health contexts.

The closest verb-like phrase is 'shokuyoku ga genshou suru' (appetite decreases), but 'shokuyoku fushin ni naru' is the standard expression.