Translation guide
TB is an abbreviation for 'tuberculosis', a serious infectious disease. This guide covers how to refer to the disease in Japanese, from medical terms to everyday conversation.
結核
tuberculosis
Referring to the illness tuberculosis in general, medical, or everyday contexts.
The standard medical and general term for tuberculosis. Used in formal and informal settings.
彼は結核と診断された。
He was diagnosed with TB.
結核は空気感染する病気です。
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease.
The English abbreviation is sometimes used in Japanese, especially in medical contexts or when referring to global health campaigns. Pronounced as 'ティービー'.
TBの治療には数ヶ月かかります。
TB treatment takes several months.
While 結核 is the standard term, the abbreviation TB (pronounced ティービー) is understood in medical settings or international contexts. In casual conversation, it's safer to use 結核 to avoid confusion.
Specifically refers to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB of the lungs). More precise than 結核.
肺結核の症状には咳や発熱があります。
Symptoms of pulmonary TB include cough and fever.