Translation guide
A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, often causing convulsions or loss of consciousness. In Japanese, the most common medical term is 発作 (ほっさ), but specific types and contexts use different words.
Referring to a seizure as a medical event, such as an epileptic seizure.
General term for a seizure or attack (e.g., epileptic seizure, asthma attack). Often combined with a modifier like てんかん発作 (epileptic seizure).
彼はてんかん発作を起こした。
He had an epileptic seizure.
発作が起きたら、すぐに救急車を呼んでください。
If a seizure occurs, please call an ambulance immediately.
Specifically refers to convulsions or muscle spasms, often used to describe the physical manifestation of a seizure.
子供が熱性痙攣を起こしました。
The child had a febrile seizure.
Common, somewhat informal term for convulsions, especially in children. Often used by parents.
赤ちゃんがひきつけを起こした。
The baby had a convulsion.
Specifically a seizure caused by epilepsy.
The standard medical term for an epileptic seizure.
てんかん発作の頻度が増えています。
The frequency of epileptic seizures is increasing.
A sudden onset of a medical condition, like a heart attack or asthma attack.
Used broadly for sudden attacks of illness. Combine with the specific condition.
心臓発作で倒れた。
He collapsed from a heart attack.
喘息の発作が起きた。
I had an asthma attack.
The act of taking something away legally or by force.
Legal term for seizure of property or evidence by authorities.
警察が麻薬を押収した。
The police seized the drugs.
Confiscation, often used in contexts like customs or school rules.
Seizure of assets or property, often for debt or legal reasons.
A sudden, uncontrollable burst of emotion, like a fit of rage or laughter.
Pattern: [emotion] + の発作. Used for sudden fits of emotion.
怒りの発作にかられた。
He was seized by a fit of anger.
笑いの発作が止まらない。
I can't stop this fit of laughter.
発作 is the broadest term for any kind of attack or seizure. 痙攣 specifically refers to convulsions or muscle spasms. ひきつけ is a colloquial term for convulsions, often used for children. In medical contexts, てんかん発作 is the precise term for epileptic seizure.
When talking about seizure of property by authorities, use 押収, 没収, or 差し押さえ. 発作 is only for medical or emotional attacks.
税関で偽ブランド品が没収された。
The counterfeit goods were confiscated at customs.
給料の差し押さえを受けた。
My wages were garnished (seized).