Translation guide
How to express the concept of addiction in Japanese, from clinical dependence to casual obsession.
To describe a medical or psychological dependence on a substance like drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.
The standard term for addiction as a medical condition. Often used with the substance name.
彼はアルコール依存症だ。
He has an alcohol addiction.
薬物依存症の治療を受ける。
Receive treatment for drug addiction.
Literally 'poisoning', but commonly used for addiction, especially in compound words. Can sound slightly less clinical than 依存症.
ニコチン中毒で禁煙できない。
I can't quit smoking because of nicotine addiction.
薬物中毒者が増えている。
The number of drug addicts is increasing.
Dependence. Often used in compounds or with a verb. Can refer to psychological or physical dependence.
薬物依存から抜け出す。
Break free from drug addiction.
To describe compulsive engagement in activities like gambling, gaming, or shopping.
Also used for behavioral addictions. Specify the activity before 依存症.
ギャンブル依存症で借金が増えた。
My debt increased due to gambling addiction.
ゲーム依存症が問題になっている。
Gaming addiction has become a problem.
Common in casual speech for behavioral addictions, but can sound less formal.
To express that someone is 'addicted' to something in a casual, non-medical sense, like a hobby or food.
The most natural way to say 'I'm addicted to...' for hobbies, games, foods, etc. Literally 'I'm stuck on...'.
最近、このゲームにハマっている。
I've been addicted to this game lately.
彼はラーメンにハマっている。
He's addicted to ramen.
Used casually and often humorously for non-clinical 'addiction'. Common in compounds like カフェイン中毒 (caffeine addiction).
チョコレート中毒で毎日食べてしまう。
I'm addicted to chocolate and end up eating it every day.
Means 'captive of...' or 'slave to...'. Used for strong fascination or obsession, often with a nuance of being charmed.
彼女はその歌手のとりこになった。
She became addicted to that singer (captivated by them).
To talk about addiction in general, as a social issue or abstract idea.
The general term for addiction as a condition or topic.
依存症は病気の一種だ。
Addiction is a type of illness.
Loanword from English, used in academic or clinical contexts, but less common than 依存症.
依存症 (いぞんしょう) is the clinical term for addiction as a medical condition, emphasizing dependence. 中毒 (ちゅうどく) literally means 'poisoning' and is used more broadly, including for acute poisoning (e.g., food poisoning) and casual 'addiction'. For serious substance abuse, 依存症 is preferred in formal contexts, while 中毒 is common in everyday speech and compound words.
English often uses 'addicted to' casually (e.g., 'I'm addicted to this show'). Direct translation like 中毒です can sound overly dramatic or clinical. Use ハマっている for casual obsession, or 中毒 only in light-hearted, self-deprecating contexts.
スマホ中毒で寝不足だ。
I'm sleep-deprived from smartphone addiction.
アディクションの研究をしている。
I'm researching addiction.