Translation guide
The English word 'disease' refers to a medical condition with specific symptoms. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 病気 (byōki). However, there are several other words that correspond to 'disease' depending on context, formality, and nuance. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
To refer to a disease or illness in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'disease' or 'illness'. Used in both casual and formal contexts. Can refer to any kind of sickness, from a cold to a serious condition.
彼は病気で学校を休んだ。
He was absent from school due to illness.
病気の予防は大切です。
Prevention of disease is important.
A more formal and medical term for 'disease' or 'disorder'. Often used in medical contexts, official documents, or when specifying a particular disease (e.g., 心疾患 heart disease).
この疾患は遺伝性です。
This disease is hereditary.
To refer to a particular disease by name, often in medical or formal contexts.
A somewhat literary or formal word for 'disease' or 'illness'. Often used in compound words for specific diseases (e.g., 糖尿病 diabetes, 心臓病 heart disease). Can also be used abstractly.
彼は不治の病にかかっている。
He is suffering from an incurable disease.
The suffix 〜病 (byō) is used to form the names of specific diseases. It attaches to a noun describing the affected part or nature of the disease. This is the standard way to name diseases in Japanese.
糖尿病は生活習慣病の一つです。
Diabetes is one of the lifestyle-related diseases.
感染症は病原体によって引き起こされる病気です。
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens.
To emphasize that a disease is contagious or caused by an infection.
Specifically means 'infectious disease'. Commonly used in medical and public health contexts.
新型コロナウイルス感染症が世界中に広がった。
The novel coronavirus disease spread worldwide.
Means 'contagious disease' or 'epidemic disease'. Slightly older term, but still used. Often implies rapid spread.
To refer to diseases associated with long-term habits or aging, often non-communicable.
Literally 'lifestyle habit disease'. Refers to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease that are linked to lifestyle. Very common in health discussions.
生活習慣病は食事や運動で予防できます。
Lifestyle-related diseases can be prevented through diet and exercise.
To refer to diseases of the mind, such as mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions.
Means 'mental illness' or 'psychiatric disorder'. Can be clinical but sometimes carries stigma. Use with care.
彼は精神病を患っている。
He suffers from a mental illness.
A softer, more literary expression for 'mental illness' or 'disease of the heart/mind'. Often used in self-help or general discourse.
心の病は誰にでも起こり得る。
Mental illness can happen to anyone.
To use 'disease' metaphorically to describe a social problem or negative phenomenon.
Can be used metaphorically, as in English, to describe a societal ill. Often appears in compounds like 社会病 (social disease).
差別は社会の病だ。
Discrimination is a disease of society.
Means 'evil influence' or 'harmful effect'. Not a direct translation of 'disease', but can be used in similar figurative contexts to describe a negative phenomenon.
病気 (byōki) is the everyday word for illness. 疾患 (shikkan) is formal and medical. 病 (yamai) is literary or used in compounds. For general conversation, stick to 病気. In a doctor's office or academic paper, 疾患 is appropriate. 病 as a standalone word can sound dramatic or old-fashioned.
ただの病気です。
It's just a common illness.
特定疾患に指定されている。
It is designated as a specified disease.
In English, 'disease' can sound more serious than 'illness' or 'sickness'. In Japanese, 病気 covers both mild and severe conditions. Using 疾患 for a cold would sound overly technical. Use 病気 for everyday sickness, and reserve 疾患 for formal/medical settings.
Quarantine was implemented to prevent the spread of the contagious disease.
Older term for 'adult disease', now largely replaced by 生活習慣病. Still understood but less common in modern health contexts.
成人病検診を受ける。
To undergo a health checkup for adult diseases.
その政策は多くの弊害を生んだ。
That policy gave rise to many social ills.