Translation guide
The English word 'symptoms' refers to signs or indications of a disease or condition. In Japanese, the most common and direct translation is 症状 (しょうじょう). However, depending on context, other expressions like 兆候 (ちょうこう) or サイン (sain) may be used. This guide covers the main ways to express 'symptoms' naturally in Japanese.
Referring to signs of illness or medical conditions, such as fever, cough, or pain.
The standard, neutral term for medical symptoms. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
風邪の症状が出ています。
I have cold symptoms.
どのような症状がありますか？
What kind of symptoms do you have?
A more technical/medical term, often used in compound words like 症候群 (syndrome). Less common in everyday speech.
この症候は稀な疾患を示唆している。
These symptoms suggest a rare disease.
Subjective symptoms; symptoms that the patient themselves notices and reports.
自覚症状はありませんか？
Do you have any subjective symptoms?
Objective symptoms; signs observed by a doctor through examination, as opposed to what the patient feels.
他覚症状として発疹が認められた。
A rash was observed as an objective symptom.
Referring to signs of a problem, trend, or condition in a broader sense, such as economic symptoms or social symptoms.
Sign, indication, or omen. Used for non-medical contexts like economic or social symptoms, or early signs of something.
景気回復の兆候が見られる。
There are symptoms of economic recovery.
それは問題の兆候かもしれない。
That might be a symptom of a problem.
Borrowed from English 'sign'. Often used in casual or metaphorical contexts, like warning signs.
Similar to 兆候, but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in written analysis.
Specifically referring to symptoms caused by stopping a substance or behavior, such as drug withdrawal.
The standard term for withdrawal symptoms, used in medical and addiction contexts.
薬の離脱症状がひどい。
The drug withdrawal symptoms are severe.
症状 is strictly for medical/physical symptoms. Using it for economic or social signs sounds unnatural. Use 兆候 or サイン instead.
景気後退の兆候
symptoms of a recession
When visiting a doctor, you can simply say 「〜の症状があります」 (I have symptoms of ~). For example: 「頭痛の症状があります」 (I have headache symptoms). However, it's often more natural to just describe the symptom directly: 「頭が痛いです」 (I have a headache).
That's a dangerous symptom/sign.
社会不安の徴候が現れている。
Symptoms of social unrest are appearing.
Often used for addiction withdrawal, especially in casual or dramatic contexts. Can imply craving.
コーヒーをやめたら禁断症状が出た。
I got withdrawal symptoms when I quit coffee.