Translation guide
The English verb "isolate" covers several distinct meanings: physically separating something, quarantining due to illness, identifying a substance or factor, and socially cutting someone off. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each.
To keep something or someone apart from others, often for a purpose.
The most direct equivalent for physical isolation, often used in medical, technical, or formal contexts.
感染した患者は隔離された。
The infected patients were isolated.
Emphasizes separating components or parts from a whole, often in scientific or mechanical contexts.
科学者はその化合物を分離した。
The scientist isolated the compound.
Literally 'cut off and separate', used for physically detaching something or isolating a part from a larger whole.
問題を切り離して考える。
Think about the problem in isolation.
A casual way to say 'keep separate' or 'set apart', but less precise than 隔離する.
洗濯物を色物と白物に別にしてください。
Please separate the laundry into colors and whites.
To keep a person or animal away from others to prevent disease spread.
The standard term for medical isolation or quarantine.
彼はコロナに感染したため、自宅で隔離されている。
He is isolating at home because he caught COVID.
Commonly used during the pandemic for 'staying at home' as a precaution, not necessarily strict isolation.
濃厚接触者は自宅待機を求められた。
Close contacts were asked to self-isolate at home.
Literally 'refrain from going out', a softer expression for voluntary isolation.
症状があるので、外出を控えています。
I'm isolating myself because I have symptoms.
To find and separate a specific element, such as in science or analysis.
Means 'to identify' or 'pinpoint', often used when isolating a cause or factor.
研究者は問題の原因を特定した。
The researchers isolated the cause of the problem.
Used in chemistry or biology for physically extracting a pure substance.
そのタンパク質を分離するのに成功した。
They succeeded in isolating the protein.
Specifically means 'extract', often used for isolating compounds or data.
DNAを細胞から抽出する。
Isolate DNA from cells.
To exclude someone from a group or make them feel alone.
The most common term for social isolation, implying making someone feel alone or excluded.
彼はクラスで孤立させられている。
He is being isolated in class.
A colloquial phrase meaning to leave someone out or ostracize them.
彼女をのけ者にしないで。
Don't isolate her.
Specifically means to exclude from a group of friends or peers.
彼は仲間外れにされて悲しんでいる。
He is sad because he's being isolated by his friends.
A formal term for alienation or social exclusion, often used in sociological contexts.
その政策は高齢者を疎外する。
The policy isolates the elderly.
To withdraw from social contact by choice.
Describes shutting oneself away at home, often for extended periods. Strongly associated with social withdrawal.
彼は部屋に引きこもっている。
He is isolating himself in his room.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become isolated', often used for feeling alone rather than physical seclusion.
彼は社会から孤立している。
He is isolated from society.
Literally 'cut off contact with people', a deliberate act of isolation.
彼は人との接触を断って山にこもった。
He isolated himself from people and retreated to the mountains.
隔離する is for physical or medical isolation, often imposed by an authority. 孤立させる is for social or emotional isolation, making someone feel alone. Do not use 隔離する for social ostracism.
患者を隔離する (○) / 患者を孤立させる (✕)
isolate a patient (correct) / isolate a patient (incorrect, implies social exclusion)
English 'isolate' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'isolate a problem'). Direct translation with 隔離する would sound unnatural. Use 特定する or 切り離す instead.
問題を隔離する (✕) → 問題を特定する (○)
isolate the problem (incorrect literal translation) → identify the problem (correct)