Translation guide
The English word 'casualties' refers to people killed, wounded, or missing in an accident, disaster, or war. Japanese expresses this concept through several nouns and phrases, with the most common being 死傷者 (dead and injured). The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing deaths, injuries, or both, and the context (military, disaster, etc.).
Referring to the total number of people killed and injured in an accident, disaster, or conflict.
The most common and direct translation for 'casualties' when including both dead and wounded. Used in news reports and formal contexts.
地震で多くの死傷者が出た。
The earthquake caused many casualties.
事故の死傷者数はまだ確認されていない。
The number of casualties from the accident has not yet been confirmed.
Means 'victims' more broadly, including those affected by a disaster or crime, not necessarily killed or injured. Can be used for casualties in a wider sense.
台風の被害者は数千人にのぼる。
The typhoon casualties number in the thousands.
Often translated as 'victims', but specifically implies people who lost their lives or were sacrificed. It carries a nuance of tragic loss. Commonly used for fatalities in disasters or wars.
戦争で多くの犠牲者が出た。
The war produced many casualties.
Emphasizing the number of people killed, not including the injured.
Specifically means 'the dead' or 'fatalities'. Use when you want to talk only about those killed.
その事故で10人の死者が出た。
The accident resulted in 10 casualties (deaths).
A more formal term for 'fatalities', often used in official reports and statistics.
Referring specifically to people who are injured, not killed.
Means 'injured people' or 'wounded'. Commonly used in news about accidents or conflicts.
負傷者はすぐに病院に運ばれた。
The casualties (injured) were immediately taken to the hospital.
A more casual term for 'injured person'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
Specifically in a military context, often including those killed, wounded, or missing in action.
Means 'war dead' or 'killed in action'. Used for military deaths.
その戦闘で多くの戦死者が出た。
The battle resulted in many casualties (deaths).
Refers to 'wounded in action'.
戦傷者の治療が急がれる。
Treatment of the wounded casualties is urgent.
Also used in military contexts for total dead and wounded.
死傷者 (shishōsha) is the most direct translation for 'casualties' as it explicitly includes both dead and injured. 犠牲者 (giseisha) emphasizes the tragic loss of life and is often used for fatalities. 被害者 (higaisha) is broader, meaning 'victims', and can include those affected but not physically harmed.
The loanword カジュアルティ (kajuaruti) is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
地震で多くの死傷者が出た。
The earthquake caused many casualties.
火事による死傷者はいなかった。
There were no casualties in the fire.
軍は甚大な死傷者を出した。
The army suffered heavy casualties.
The number of casualties (deaths) decreased from the previous year.
事故でけが人が出た。
There were casualties (injured people) in the accident.
The enemy casualties were enormous.