生理的(せいりてき)

せいりてき
na-adjective
physiological; instinctive; visceral
descriptive
1. physiological; relating to bodily functions
Relating to the normal functions of a living organism. Used in scientific and medical contexts.
生理的(せいりてき)な反応(はんのう)だ。
It's a physiological reaction.
睡眠(すいみん)は生理的(せいりてき)に必要(ひつよう)なものだ。
Sleep is a physiological necessity.
空腹(くうふく)は生理的(せいりてき)な欲求(よっきゅう)の一(ひと)つである。
Hunger is one of the physiological needs.
2. instinctive; visceral; gut-level
Describing a reaction that is automatic and beyond rational control — an instinctive like or dislike. Often used to express strong, involuntary aversion.
生理的(せいりてき)に無理(むり)だ。
I just can't stand it — it's visceral.
あの人(ひと)は生理的(せいりてき)に受(う)け付(つ)けない。
I have a gut-level aversion to that person.
虫(むし)が生理的(せいりてき)に苦手(にがて)で、見(み)るだけで鳥肌(とりはだ)が立(た)つ。
I have an instinctive aversion to bugs — just seeing them gives me goosebumps.

Common expressions

Usage

  • Sense 2 is common in everyday speech and means the reaction is beyond reason. Said of a person, it is a harsh rejection.

Watch out

  • 生理(せいり) on its own most often means menstruation, not physiology in general.
general
Added 2026.3.24 20:28 · Revised 2026.9.30 2:25
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