Translation guide
The English word "chronic" has two main uses: describing long-lasting medical conditions, and describing habitual or persistent negative behaviors or situations. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing a disease or health condition that persists for a long time or constantly recurs.
The standard medical term for 'chronic'. Used directly before nouns.
彼は慢性の腰痛に悩んでいる。
He suffers from chronic back pain.
慢性の疲労が続いている。
I have been experiencing chronic fatigue.
Describing a bad habit, problem, or situation that is persistent and hard to stop.
Used for habitual negative behaviors, especially crimes or rule-breaking. 'Chronic offender' etc.
彼は常習的なスピード違反者だ。
He is a chronic speeder.
While 慢性的な can be used for social problems, it is not natural for personal habits like 'chronic procrastinator'. Use 常習的な or rephrase with 癖.
先延ばし癖がある
I have a chronic procrastination habit.
Adjectival form, often used in more descriptive or explanatory contexts. Slightly more formal than 慢性の.
この病気は慢性的な経過をたどる。
This disease follows a chronic course.
a chronic liar
Also used for persistent social or organizational problems, like 'chronic shortage' or 'chronic issue'.
この地域は慢性的な水不足に悩まされている。
This region suffers from chronic water shortages.
慢性的な人手不足が問題だ。
Chronic labor shortage is a problem.
Literally 'has become a habit'. Used for personal bad habits, less formal.
彼の遅刻はもう癖になっている。
His chronic lateness has become a habit.