劣等感

• Reading: れっとうかん
• Romaji: rettoukan
• Kanji breakdown: 劣 (retsu) — inferior; 等 (tou) — class, rank; 感 (kan) — feeling, sense
• Pronunciation: /ɾet.toː.kaɴ/

Meaning

Inferiority complex; sense of inferiority. A persistent feeling of being less capable than others.

A noun from psychology referring to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. The opposite is 優越感 (superiority complex). Common patterns include 劣等感を抱く (to harbour an inferiority complex) and 劣等感に悩む (to suffer from feelings of inferiority). Widely used in self-help, psychology, and everyday conversation about self-esteem.

Examples

1. 子供の頃から成績に対する劣等感があった。 I've had an inferiority complex about my grades since childhood.
2. 周りと比べて劣等感を感じる必要はない。 There's no need to feel inferior just because you're comparing yourself to others.
3. 劣等感を克服するために努力を続けている。 I keep working hard to overcome my inferiority complex.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, self-improvement, education, relationships

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 劣 (retsu, inferior) + 等 (tou, class/rank) + 感 (kan, feeling/sense). Literally 'inferior-rank feeling,' a psychological term influenced by Adlerian psychology (アドラー心理学) introduced to Japan in the early 20th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal