Translation guide
The English word 'health' covers physical and mental well-being, the state of a system, and expressions like 'to your health.' This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a person's general state of health, fitness, or absence of illness.
The most common and general word for health, covering both physical and mental aspects. Used in everyday conversation and formal contexts.
健康のために毎日歩いています。
I walk every day for my health.
おかげさまで健康です。
I'm in good health, thank you.
Refers to physical condition, often used when asking how someone feels or describing temporary states.
体調が悪いので休みます。
I'm not feeling well, so I'll take the day off.
体調はどうですか？
How are you feeling?
Means energetic, lively, or in good spirits. Often used in greetings or to describe vitality rather than medical health.
Referring to health in a broader sense, such as public health, health care, or health-related issues.
Also used for health as a concept or field. Combine with other words to form compounds.
健康保険に入っています。
I have health insurance.
健康診断を受けました。
I had a health checkup.
Refers to health preservation or public health, often used in official contexts like '保健所' (public health center).
Said when raising a glass to wish someone good health.
The standard Japanese toast, meaning 'cheers' or 'bottoms up.' It literally means 'dry glass' and is used in all drinking situations.
乾杯！
Cheers!
A more literal translation meaning 'to celebrate health,' used in formal speeches or toasts. Not common in casual settings.
皆様の健康を祝して、乾杯！
To everyone's health, cheers!
Metaphorical use referring to the condition or functioning of something non-living, like an economy or machine.
Means soundness or healthiness, often used for financial or organizational health.
会社の財務の健全性を保つ。
Maintain the financial health of the company.
Means condition or state. Can be used with modifiers to describe health metaphorically.
経済の状態が悪化している。
The health of the economy is deteriorating.
健康 (kenkou) refers to medical or physical health, while 元気 (genki) refers to energy, liveliness, or mood. You can be 健康 but not 元気 if you're tired, or 元気 but not 健康 if you have a hidden illness. In greetings, お元気ですか is standard; 健康ですか sounds too clinical.
彼は健康だけど、今日は元気がない。
He's healthy, but he lacks energy today.
The common term for 'health food' is 健康食品 (kenkou shokuhin), but in casual contexts, people often say 体にいい食べ物 (karada ni ii tabemono, 'food good for the body'). Avoid literal translations like 健康食べ物.
これは体にいい食べ物です。
This is healthy food.
健康が一番大切です。
Health is the most important thing.
喫煙は健康に悪いです。
Smoking is bad for your health.
健康が心配です。
I'm worried about my health.
You can consult at the public health center.