Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'serious illness' depends on context: medical severity, life-threatening conditions, or general seriousness. Common terms include 重病 (jūbyō) for severe illness, 大病 (taibyō) for major illness, and 重症 (jūshō) for serious condition. For life-threatening diseases, 命に関わる病気 (inochi ni kakawaru byōki) is natural. In casual speech, 重い病気 (omoi byōki) is often used.
To refer to a serious or severe illness in general, often requiring hospitalization or long-term treatment.
A common term for a serious illness, often implying a life-threatening or severe condition. Used in both medical and everyday contexts.
彼は重病で入院している。
He is hospitalized with a serious illness.
Refers to a major or serious illness, often one that is life-changing or requires extensive treatment. Slightly less clinical than 重病.
大病を患ってから、健康に気をつけるようになった。
After suffering a serious illness, I started taking better care of my health.
A more colloquial way to say 'serious illness'. Literally 'heavy illness', it is commonly used in everyday conversation.
重い病気にかかってしまった。
I've come down with a serious illness.
Refers to an intractable or rare disease, often chronic and difficult to treat. Used in medical and legal contexts.
指定難病の治療法が研究されている。
Treatments for designated intractable diseases are being researched.
To emphasize that an illness is life-threatening or could be fatal.
Literally 'illness related to life', this phrase clearly conveys that the illness is life-threatening. Natural and commonly used.
命に関わる病気ではないので安心してください。
It's not a life-threatening illness, so please don't worry.
Similar to 命に関わる, but slightly more dramatic, emphasizing the line between life and death.
生死に関わる病気と診断された。
I was diagnosed with a life-or-death illness.
A more clinical term meaning 'fatal illness'. Used in medical reports or formal writing.
致死性の病気に対するワクチンが開発された。
A vaccine against a fatal illness has been developed.
To describe the severity of a patient's condition, often in a hospital setting.
Means 'serious condition' or 'severe case'. Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a patient's state.
患者は重症で、集中治療室に入っている。
The patient is in serious condition and is in the ICU.
Specifically means 'critically ill' or 'in a critical condition', often used in news reports about accidents or sudden illness.
Means 'critically ill' with the implication of being near death. Used in formal announcements or news.
To indicate an illness is serious in terms of impact on daily life, but not necessarily fatal.
Means 'serious illness' with a nuance of gravity or severity, often used for mental health or chronic conditions.
深刻な病気を抱えているが、仕事を続けている。
He has a serious illness but continues to work.
Similar to 深刻な病気, but slightly more formal. Often used in written contexts.
重大な病気の予防には早期発見が重要だ。
Early detection is important for preventing serious illnesses.
重病 (jūbyō) is a general term for serious illness, often life-threatening. 大病 (taibyō) emphasizes the magnitude or impact of the illness, like a major disease. 重症 (jūshō) is used for the severity of a patient's condition, especially in medical settings. Use 重病 for the illness itself, 大病 for the experience, and 重症 for the clinical state.
Directly translating 'serious illness' as 真面目な病気 (majime na byōki) is incorrect. 真面目 means 'serious' as in earnest or diligent, not medically severe. Stick to the terms listed above.
事故で重体の男性が病院に運ばれた。
A man in critical condition from the accident was taken to the hospital.
I was contacted that my grandfather is in critical condition.