Translation guide
The English word 'retard' can be a verb meaning to delay or slow down, or a highly offensive noun referring to a person with intellectual disabilities. This guide covers both meanings, with strong warnings about the noun form.
To cause something to happen later or more slowly than expected.
General verb meaning to delay or postpone something. Transitive.
悪天候が工事の進行を遅らせた。
Bad weather retarded the progress of the construction.
More formal, often used in technical or official contexts. Transitive.
システム障害が配送を遅延させた。
A system failure retarded the delivery.
Similar to 遅らせる, but slightly more colloquial. Transitive.
彼のミスがプロジェクトを遅れさせた。
His mistake retarded the project.
Means to stagnate or bring to a standstill, often used for economic or social progress.
規制が経済成長を停滞させている。
Regulations are retarding economic growth.
A highly derogatory slur for someone with a mental disability. This usage is extremely offensive and should be avoided.
The English noun 'retard' is a deeply offensive slur. There is no acceptable direct translation. If you need to refer to intellectual disability, use respectful medical or descriptive terms.
Using any Japanese equivalent of this slur can cause severe offense. Avoid entirely.
この言葉は使わないでください。
Please do not use this word.
Literally 'wisdom delay', this is an outdated and highly offensive term. Included only for recognition; never use it.
Extremely derogatory. Do not use.
彼を知恵遅れと呼ぶのは許されない。
It is unacceptable to call him a retard.
The English noun 'retard' is a slur. In Japanese, terms like 知恵遅れ (ちえおくれ) are equally offensive and should never be used. If you need to discuss intellectual disability, use 知的障害 (ちてきしょうがい) or 知的障害者 (ちてきしょうがいしゃ) in appropriate contexts.
彼は知的障害があります。
He has an intellectual disability.
The neutral, respectful term for a person with an intellectual disability. Use this if you must refer to the condition, but never as an insult.
Only for factual, respectful contexts. Not a translation of the slur.
彼は知的障害者です。
He is a person with an intellectual disability.