Translation and Meaning of: 麻痺 - mahi

The word 「麻痺」 (mahi) is a Japanese expression that can be translated as "paralysis" or "numbness". It is composed of two ideograms: 「麻」 (ma) which means "hemp" or "narcotic", and 「痺」 (hi) which translates as "paralysis" or "numbness". Together, they form a term that denotes the loss of movement or sensation in a part of the body, commonly used to describe medical conditions.

Etymologically, each kanji of this word plays a significant role in composing its meaning. The ideogram 「麻」 is often associated with substances that cause numbness, due to its historical connection with hemp, which has analgesic properties. The kanji 「痺」 includes the radical 「疒」, which is related to diseases or medical conditions, combining with the idea of paralysis that this part of the kanji suggests.

In medical practice and everyday vocabulary, 「麻痺」 is an expression that can appear in various contexts, such as in descriptions of neurological conditions, for example, paraplegia or facial paralysis. It is also used figuratively in expressions that denote the inability to act or react, such as in emotional or psychological scenarios, where someone may feel "paralyzed" by fear or surprise.

In addition to its literal and medical application, the term 「麻痺」 can appear in more metaphorical contexts that do not involve health. For example, in situations that require a strong immediate decision, but where the indecisive person may end up "paralyzed" by the circumstances. This versatility in the use of the word reflects a cultural richness and a depth in the Japanese language, delightful for those who study the language and its culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 麻痺 (mahi) - Paralysis
• 痺れ (shibire) - Tingling (sensation of numbness)
• 麻木 (maboku) - Insensitivity (loss of sensation)
• 無感覚 (mukankaku) - Inability to feel (total insensitivity)
• 麻痺状態 (mahi joutai) - State of paralysis
• 麻痺症状 (mahi shoujou) - Symptoms of paralysis
• 麻痺性 (mahi sei) - Paralytic type (referring to paralysis)
• 麻痺状況 (mahi joukyou) - Conditions of paralysis
• 麻痺感 (mahi kan) - Feeling of paralysis
• 麻痺状態になる (mahi joutai ni naru) - Become paralyzed
• 麻痺する (mahi suru) - Stay paralyzed
• 痺れる (shibireru) - Tingling sensation
• 麻痺を起こす (mahi wo okosu) - Cause paralysis
• 無感覚になる (mukankaku ni naru) - Become insensitive
• 麻痺症状がある (mahi shoujou ga aru) - To have symptoms of paralysis
• 麻痺性の疾患 (mahi sei no shikkan) - Paralytic type diseases
• 麻痺状態に陥る (mahi joutai ni ochiiru) - Fall into a state of paralysis
• 麻痺を引き起こす (mahi wo hikiokosu) - Provoke paralysis