Translation guide
The English word 'malpractice' refers to professional negligence or misconduct, especially in medicine, law, or other licensed professions. In Japanese, there is no single word that covers all uses; the translation depends on the profession and context.
Negligence or improper treatment by a doctor or medical professional causing harm to a patient.
The most common and general term for a medical error or mistake. It covers a wide range of errors, from misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes.
その病院で医療ミスがあった。
There was a medical error at that hospital.
A more formal and legal term for medical malpractice, often used in lawsuits or official reports. It implies negligence or fault.
医療過誤訴訟が増えている。
Medical malpractice lawsuits are increasing.
Specifically means misdiagnosis. Use this when the malpractice involves an incorrect diagnosis.
医者の誤診で治療が遅れた。
Treatment was delayed due to the doctor's misdiagnosis.
Negligence or misconduct by a lawyer or legal professional.
The standard term for legal malpractice, referring to a lawyer's negligence or error in handling a case.
弁護過誤で依頼人が不利益を被った。
The client suffered a disadvantage due to legal malpractice.
A more casual way to say 'lawyer's mistake'. It is less formal than 弁護過誤 but widely understood.
弁護士のミスで裁判に負けた。
We lost the trial due to the lawyer's mistake.
Negligence or misconduct in any licensed profession (e.g., accounting, architecture).
A productive pattern: attach の過誤 to the profession name. For example, 会計士の過誤 (accountant's malpractice). This is formal and used in legal contexts.
建築士の過誤が問題になった。
The architect's malpractice became an issue.
A casual alternative using ミス (mistake). Suitable for everyday conversation.
税理士のミスで追徴課税された。
I was assessed additional tax due to the tax accountant's mistake.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'malpractice'. Always specify the profession or context. Using マルプラクティス is not common and may not be understood.
医療ミス is a general term for medical errors, while 医療過誤 is a legal term implying negligence. In everyday conversation, 医療ミス is more common. In legal or formal contexts, use 医療過誤.