Translation guide
The English word 'poison' refers to a substance that causes illness or death when introduced into the body. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 毒 (doku), but the way you express the concept depends on context: the substance itself, the act of poisoning, or metaphorical uses like 'poisonous atmosphere.'
Referring to a toxic substance that can cause illness or death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
The general term for poison, toxin, or venom. Can be used for both literal and figurative contexts.
このキノコには毒がある。
This mushroom is poisonous.
ヘビの毒は強力だ。
The snake's venom is potent.
Refers to poisonous substances, often in a more formal or technical sense, such as chemicals or hazardous materials.
毒物を扱うときは手袋を着用してください。
Please wear gloves when handling poisonous substances.
Specifically refers to a poisonous drug or potion, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼女は毒薬を盛られた。
She was given a poisonous drug.
Describing the action of administering poison to a person, animal, or thing.
A common phrase meaning 'to poison' (someone's food or drink). Literally 'to serve poison.'
誰かが彼の飲み物に毒を盛った。
Someone poisoned his drink.
A verb meaning 'to kill by poisoning.' Used for deliberate murder.
彼は毒殺された。
He was poisoned to death.
Means 'to cause poisoning' or 'to intoxicate.' Often used for accidental poisoning or food poisoning.
腐った食べ物が彼を中毒させた。
The spoiled food poisoned him.
Describing something that contains or acts as a poison.
The standard adjective meaning 'poisonous' or 'toxic.' Used for plants, animals, chemicals, etc.
有毒ガスが発生した。
Poisonous gas was generated.
この植物は有毒なので触らないでください。
This plant is poisonous, so please don't touch it.
A more colloquial way to say 'poisonous,' literally 'having poison.' Often used for animals or figurative speech.
毒のあるヘビに噛まれた。
I was bitten by a poisonous snake.
Using 'poison' metaphorically to describe something that corrupts, harms, or has a negative influence.
The same word 毒 is used figuratively for harmful influences, toxic people, or poisonous words.
彼の言葉は毒だ。
His words are poison.
あの職場は毒のような雰囲気だ。
That workplace has a poisonous atmosphere.
Literally 'to become poison,' meaning something is harmful or detrimental, often used for advice or relationships.
甘やかしすぎは子供の毒になる。
Too much coddling is poison for a child.
Expressing the action of corrupting or negatively influencing someone's thoughts or feelings.
A verb meaning 'to poison' in a figurative sense, such as poisoning someone's mind or corrupting something.
偏った情報が彼の考えを毒した。
Biased information poisoned his thinking.
A more general phrase meaning 'to have a bad influence,' which can be used instead of a direct translation of 'poison.'
暴力ゲームは子供に悪影響を与えると言われている。
Violent games are said to poison children's minds.
The English loanword ポイズン (poizun) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in product names or creative contexts, but for everyday speech, stick to 毒 or related terms.
毒 (doku) is the general term. 毒素 (dokuso) specifically means 'toxin,' often of biological origin. 毒物 (dokubutsu) refers to poisonous substances, especially chemicals. Use 毒 for most situations.