Translation guide
The word 'diaphragm' has two main meanings: a muscle for breathing and a contraceptive device. This guide focuses on the anatomical meaning, which is most common for learners, and briefly covers the contraceptive meaning.
Referring to the dome-shaped muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing.
Referring to a barrier method of birth control inserted into the vagina.
The English word 'diaphragm' can also refer to a camera aperture or a thin membrane in science. In Japanese, these are different words: 絞り (しぼり) for camera aperture, 隔膜 (かくまく) for a general membrane. Use 横隔膜 only for the breathing muscle.
Standard anatomical term for the diaphragm muscle. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
横隔膜を鍛えると呼吸が楽になります。
Strengthening your diaphragm makes breathing easier.
歌手は横隔膜を使って声を出します。
Singers use their diaphragm to produce their voice.
Loanword from 'pessary', commonly used for contraceptive diaphragm in Japanese.
避妊のためにペッサリーを使っています。
I use a diaphragm for contraception.
More explicit term meaning 'contraceptive diaphragm'.
避妊用ペッサリーは医師の処方が必要です。
A contraceptive diaphragm requires a doctor's prescription.