Translation guide
A material that causes harm or death when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism. This guide covers common Japanese terms for poisons, toxins, and venoms, organized by context and usage.
The broadest term for any poisonous or toxic substance, used in everyday, medical, and scientific contexts.
The most common and versatile word for 'poison' or 'toxic substance'. Covers poisons, toxins, and venoms. Used in compounds like 食中毒 (food poisoning).
このキノコには毒があります。
This mushroom contains poison.
毒を盛られたかもしれない。
I might have been poisoned.
Literally 'poisonous substance', often used in legal, regulatory, or formal contexts. Slightly more technical than 毒.
毒物及び劇物取締法
Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act
Formal term for 'toxic substance', used in scientific, industrial, or environmental contexts.
工場から有毒物質が流出した。
Toxic substances leaked from the factory.
Poisonous substances produced by animals, typically injected via bite or sting.
Also used for venom. Context makes it clear. Often combined with the animal name, e.g., ヘビの毒 (snake venom).
ハチの毒にアレルギーがあります。
I'm allergic to bee venom.
Specifically 'venom' as a liquid secretion. Used for snake, scorpion, etc.
Poisonous substances produced by living organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or fungi. Often used in medical or scientific contexts.
Standard term for 'toxin', especially bacterial toxins (e.g., botulinum toxin).
ボツリヌス毒素は非常に強力です。
Botulinum toxin is extremely potent.
Natural toxin, often used for poisons found in wild plants, mushrooms, or marine life.
フグの自然毒による食中毒に注意。
Beware of food poisoning from pufferfish natural toxins.
Man-made or inorganic poisonous substances, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, or warfare agents.
Poisonous drug or chemical poison. Often implies a substance used deliberately to harm.
毒薬を飲んで自殺を図った。
He attempted suicide by taking poison.
Deleterious substance; a legal category for strong poisons that are not necessarily lethal but cause severe harm.
毒 (doku) is the general term for poison/venom/toxin. 毒物 (dokubutsu) is a formal term for poisonous substances, often used in legal contexts. 毒素 (dokuso) specifically refers to biological toxins produced by organisms.
English 'poison' can be a verb (to poison someone). In Japanese, use phrases like 毒を盛る (doku o moru) or 毒殺する (dokusatsu suru). The noun 毒 does not function as a verb.
毒ヘビは毒液を注入する。
Venomous snakes inject venom.
Deleterious substances are less strictly regulated than poisonous substances.