Translation guide
A mental health condition characterized by intense fear of social situations. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the clinical term 社交不安障害, but related expressions like 対人恐怖症 (fear of people) are also used in everyday contexts.
The formal medical diagnosis of social anxiety disorder.
The standard clinical term for social anxiety disorder. Used in medical contexts and official diagnoses.
彼は社交不安障害と診断された。
He was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
An alternative clinical term, slightly less common than 社交不安障害 but still used in medical literature.
社会不安障害の治療法には認知行動療法がある。
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one treatment for social anxiety disorder.
Describing the condition in everyday conversation, often focusing on fear of people or social situations.
Literally 'fear of people disorder'. A common term in Japan for social anxiety, though it can also refer to a broader fear of interpersonal situations. Often used in self-help contexts.
対人恐怖症で人前で話すのが怖い。
I have social anxiety and am scared of speaking in front of people.
Short for social anxiety; often used in compound phrases or casual descriptions.
社交不安が強くて、パーティーに行けない。
My social anxiety is so strong that I can't go to parties.
Refers to shyness or being uncomfortable around strangers. Not a clinical term, but often used to describe mild social anxiety in children or adults.
Referring to a specific performance-related social anxiety, such as fear of public speaking.
Specifically 'fear of public speaking'. Used when the anxiety is limited to speaking in front of groups.
スピーチ恐怖症を克服するために練習している。
I'm practicing to overcome my fear of public speaking.
社交不安障害 is the modern clinical term aligned with DSM-5 criteria. 対人恐怖症 is a culturally specific concept in Japan that overlaps with social anxiety but may include fears of offending others or being looked at. In casual use, 対人恐怖症 is widely understood and often used interchangeably.
対人恐怖症は日本でよく知られた概念だ。
Taijin kyofusho is a well-known concept in Japan.
Do not translate 'social anxiety disorder' word-for-word as 社会的不安障害. This is not a recognized term and sounds unnatural.
うちの子は人見知りが激しい。
My child is very shy around strangers.