トラウマ

とらうま
noun
trauma
emotion
1. trauma, psychological trauma
A deeply distressing experience that causes lasting psychological harm. In casual usage, also used loosely for any bad experience that leaves a lasting negative impression.
あれトラウマになった。
That became a trauma for me.
The trauma from my childhood still hasn't faded.
My previous relationship was so traumatic that I can't easily start dating someone new.

Etymology

From German/English "trauma." Entered Japanese primarily through psychology.

Usage

In formal or medical contexts, トラウマ retains its clinical meaning of serious psychological injury. In casual speech, it is used more loosely — 数学(すうがく)トラウマ ("math is my trauma") simply means one has a strong aversion to math from a bad experience.

Common patterns

Commonly used with なる: トラウマなる (to become a trauma, to be traumatized by something).

Common collocations