Translation guide
The English word 'influenza' refers to a specific viral illness. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the loanword インフルエンザ, but there are also native terms and related expressions for symptoms and context.
インフルエンザ
influenza
Referring to the disease influenza itself, in general or medical contexts.
The standard, most common term for influenza in modern Japanese. Used in everyday conversation, news, and medical settings.
今年のインフルエンザは特に流行している。
Influenza is particularly widespread this year.
インフルエンザの予防接種を受けましたか？
Did you get a flu shot?
A slightly older or more formal term, literally 'epidemic cold'. Still understood but less common in daily speech.
流感が猛威を振るっている。
Influenza is raging.
Expressing that someone has caught or is suffering from influenza.
The standard way to say 'catch influenza' or 'get the flu'. The verb かかる is used for contracting illnesses.
先週、インフルエンザにかかってしまった。
I caught the flu last week.
彼はインフルエンザにかかっている。
He has the flu.
A more casual way to say 'catch the flu', similar to 'catch a cold' (風邪をひく). Common in spoken Japanese.
またインフルエンザひいちゃった。
I caught the flu again.
Describing symptoms commonly associated with influenza.
Means 'flu symptoms'. Used to ask about or describe what someone is experiencing.
インフルエンザの症状には高熱や関節痛がある。
Flu symptoms include high fever and joint pain.
High fever, a key symptom of influenza. Often used in the context of the flu.
インフルエンザで40度の高熱が出た。
I had a high fever of 40 degrees from the flu.
Joint pain, a characteristic symptom that distinguishes flu from a common cold.
Talking about the period when influenza is prevalent or an outbreak.
Refers to an influenza epidemic or outbreak. Commonly used in news and daily conversation.
インフルエンザの流行がピークを迎えた。
The flu epidemic has peaked.
Flu season, the period when influenza is prevalent. Often used in official announcements.
インフルエンザの流行期に入りました。
We have entered flu season.
Referring to specific types or strains of influenza virus, such as Type A or B.
Influenza Type A. The most common and often more severe type. '型' means 'type'.
今シーズンはA型インフルエンザが主流です。
Influenza Type A is predominant this season.
Influenza Type B. Generally less severe but still common.
B型インフルエンザと診断された。
I was diagnosed with influenza Type B.
Discussing measures to prevent influenza, especially vaccination.
Vaccination or inoculation. Often used with インフルエンザの予防接種 (flu shot).
インフルエンザの予防接種はもう済ませました。
I've already gotten my flu shot.
Vaccine. Can be used alone or in compounds like インフルエンザワクチン.
In Japanese, インフルエンザ specifically refers to influenza, while 風邪 (かぜ) means a common cold. They are distinct illnesses. Symptoms like high fever and joint pain are typical of インフルエンザ, whereas 風邪 usually involves milder symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat. Do not use 風邪 when you mean influenza.
それはただの風邪で、インフルエンザではない。
That's just a cold, not the flu.
English sometimes uses 'stomach flu' for gastroenteritis. In Japanese, インフルエンザ does not cover stomach flu. Use 胃腸炎 (いちょうえん) or 嘔吐下痢症 (おうとげりしょう) instead.
My joint pain is so bad I can't move.
Novel influenza or new strain flu, such as pandemic flu. Often used for strains like H1N1.
新型インフルエンザの世界的な大流行が懸念されている。
A global pandemic of a new strain of influenza is feared.
今年のワクチンは効果が高いらしい。
This year's vaccine is said to be highly effective.