Translation guide
In Japanese, 'birth control' is most commonly expressed as 避妊 (ひにん), which specifically refers to contraception. The broader concept of family planning or birth control as a social/medical practice is often 家族計画 (かぞくけいかく). This guide covers both medical and everyday terms.
Referring to the prevention of pregnancy through medical or barrier methods, in formal or clinical contexts.
The standard medical and formal term for contraception. Used in clinical settings, on product labels, and in official documents.
避妊の方法について医師に相談した。
I consulted a doctor about birth control methods.
避妊具を正しく使用することが大切です。
It is important to use contraceptives correctly.
The verb phrase meaning 'to practice contraception' or 'to use birth control'. More natural in conversation than the noun alone.
彼女は避妊をしていなかった。
She wasn't using birth control.
Referring to the overall practice of planning the number and spacing of children, often including contraception but also fertility awareness, etc.
Literally 'family planning'. This is the term used in public health, government policies, and educational contexts. It encompasses contraception but is broader.
発展途上国では家族計画の普及が重要だ。
In developing countries, the spread of family planning is important.
Talking about birth control in informal, everyday conversation.
The casual verb form. Often used in personal conversations.
ちゃんと避妊してる？
Are you using protection properly?
Slang for 'put on a condom'. Very direct and casual. Only refers to condoms.
Only refers to male condoms. Can sound crude in polite company.
ゴムつけてよ。
Put on a condom.
Literally 'not do it raw', meaning to not have unprotected sex. Implies using some form of contraception, usually a condom.
生でしないって約束したよね。
We promised not to do it without protection, right?
Specifically referring to oral contraceptive pills.
The common loanword for 'the pill'. Widely understood.
彼女はピルを飲んでいる。
She is on the pill.
Referring to the 'morning-after pill' or emergency contraceptive.
The standard term for emergency contraceptive pills. Often shortened to 緊急避妊.
緊急避妊薬は72時間以内に服用する必要がある。
Emergency contraception must be taken within 72 hours.
The loanword 'after pill'. Common in casual contexts.
アフターピルを処方してもらった。
I got a prescription for the morning-after pill.
The term 産児制限 literally means 'birth limitation' and was used historically, especially in the context of population control policies. Today it can carry negative connotations of forced sterilization or eugenics. Avoid using it to refer to voluntary family planning or contraception.
The most common word for condom is コンドーム. In casual speech, ゴム (rubber) is often used. スキン is also slang but less common. In formal contexts, 避妊具 (contraceptive device) may be used.
The formal medical term for oral contraceptives. Rarely used in daily conversation.
経口避妊薬は医師の処方が必要です。
Oral contraceptives require a doctor's prescription.