1.
to lose consciousness; to black out; to faint
To gradually lose awareness, as if consciousness is receding into the distance. Describes the experience of fainting, passing out, or drifting into unconsciousness.
意識が遠のいていった。
I was losing consciousness.
Usage
A vivid expression that describes consciousness moving away (遠のく = to recede, to move far away). It captures the gradual, drifting quality of losing awareness, unlike the more abrupt 気を失う. Often used in narrative or first-person accounts of medical emergencies, exhaustion, or intense pain.
Common collocations
- 意識が遠のいていく (consciousness fading away — progressive form)
- 意識が遠のきそうになる (to feel like one is about to lose consciousness)
Similar words
Related Words
Compare:
気絶 (to faint)