Translation guide
The English word "affliction" refers to something that causes pain, suffering, or distress, often a chronic condition or a source of persistent trouble. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean a physical illness, a mental or emotional burden, a societal problem, or a more poetic sense of suffering.
To refer to a long-term physical condition that causes suffering.
A chronic disease or ailment one has had for a long time. Commonly used for personal afflictions like asthma or back pain.
彼は持病の腰痛に悩まされている。
He is tormented by his chronic back pain.
A somewhat literary or formal term for illness or disease. Can sound dramatic or old-fashioned.
それは治る見込みのない病だった。
It was an incurable affliction.
A technical or medical term for disease or illness. Used in formal or clinical contexts.
その疾病はまれな遺伝子疾患だ。
That affliction is a rare genetic disorder.
To express a psychological burden, distress, or torment.
General term for suffering, pain, or anguish, both physical and mental. Very common and natural.
彼女は心の苦しみを誰にも打ち明けられなかった。
She couldn't confide her emotional affliction to anyone.
Worry, trouble, or a personal problem that causes distress. Often used for everyday anxieties.
Deep mental anguish or torment. Stronger and more literary than 苦しみ.
To describe something that continually causes difficulty or distress, like a curse or burden.
Literally 'seed of worry', a common idiom for a persistent source of trouble or annoyance.
彼の借金は家族にとって悩みの種だ。
His debt is an affliction for the family.
Similar to 悩みの種, but emphasizes hardship or toil.
その古い家はいつも苦労の種だった。
That old house was a constant affliction.
Calamity, misfortune, or a curse-like affliction. Often used in a more dramatic or superstitious sense.
To refer to a problem that affects many people, like poverty or addiction.
A social problem or issue. Often used when 'affliction' refers to a societal ill.
薬物依存は深刻な社会問題だ。
Drug addiction is a serious affliction.
An evil effect or harmful influence, often used for systemic problems.
English 'affliction' is often used in a somewhat formal or literary way. In Japanese, it is usually more natural to specify the type of suffering (illness, worry, hardship) rather than using a single catch-all term. Words like 苦しみ or 悩み are common, but they may not carry the same weight as 'affliction' in all contexts.
彼の最大の悩みは不眠症だ。
His greatest affliction is insomnia.
He was freed from his long-standing affliction.
彼らはその土地を災いが取り憑いていると信じていた。
They believed an affliction haunted the land.
その政策は多くの弊害をもたらした。
The policy brought many afflictions.