1.
sense of loneliness; feeling of isolation
The subjective feeling of being alone or isolated from others, even when surrounded by people. A psychological state of perceived disconnection.
大都会で孤独感を感じることがある。
Sometimes I feel a sense of loneliness in the big city.
一人暮らしの孤独感に耐えられない。
I can't bear the loneliness of living alone.
SNSは孤独感を増すこともある。
Social media can sometimes increase feelings of loneliness.
孤独感 emphasizes the subjective feeling of loneliness — the internal experience of being disconnected — rather than the objective state of being alone. A person can feel 孤独感 even in a crowd.
WORD FORMATION:
孤独 (loneliness) + 感 (feeling/sense). The 〜感 suffix turns abstract states into felt experiences.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 孤独感を感じる: to feel loneliness
- 孤独感に襲われる: to be struck by loneliness
- 孤独感を紛らわす: to distract oneself from loneliness
- 孤独感が増す: loneliness increases
RELATED TERMS:
- 孤独: loneliness/isolation (the state itself)
- 寂しさ: loneliness (more emotional, immediate)
- 孤立: isolation (social/physical separation)
Frequently used in discussions of mental health, aging, and modern urban life.
Related Words
Related:
孤独 (loneliness, isolation)