Translation guide
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the English-derived term ＡＤＨＤ (エーディーエイチディー) or the formal medical term 注意欠如・多動症. When discussing traits or symptoms, descriptive phrases are often used.
Referring to the medical diagnosis or condition itself.
The most common and widely understood term, used in both medical and everyday contexts. Often written in Latin alphabet or katakana.
彼はＡＤＨＤと診断された。
He was diagnosed with ADHD.
The formal Japanese medical term. Used in official documents, medical settings, or when a precise term is needed.
注意欠如・多動症の症状には不注意や衝動性があります。
Symptoms of ADHD include inattention and impulsivity.
An older term that is now less preferred due to the negative connotation of 障害 (disorder). Still encountered in some older texts.
以前は注意欠陥・多動性障害と呼ばれていました。
It used to be called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Talking about characteristics like inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity without necessarily using the diagnosis label.
Describes someone who is often inattentive or makes careless mistakes. A natural way to describe a common ADHD trait.
彼は不注意が多いので、よく物をなくします。
He is often inattentive, so he frequently loses things.
Literally 'lacking calmness', used to describe restlessness or hyperactivity. Common in everyday conversation.
あの子は落ち着きがなくて、じっと座っていられない。
That child is restless and can't sit still.
Means 'impulsive'. Used as an adjective to describe behavior or a person.
衝動的な行動を抑えるのが難しい。
It's hard to control impulsive behavior.
Means 'easily distracted'. A common way to describe difficulty maintaining focus.
気が散りやすくて、勉強に集中できません。
I get distracted easily and can't concentrate on studying.
When someone identifies as having ADHD or describes themselves in relation to it.
A common way to say 'I have ADHD'. Using ある (to have) is natural for conditions.
私はＡＤＨＤがあります。
I have ADHD.
A casual, somewhat slangy way to say 'ADHDer' or 'person with ADHD'. Used in informal contexts.
ＡＤＨＤ持ちあるあるを話そう。
Let's talk about things that people with ADHD can relate to.
Means 'a type of developmental disorder'. Sometimes used when explaining ADHD in a broader context.
ＡＤＨＤは発達障害の一種です。
ADHD is a type of developmental disorder.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use the English abbreviation ＡＤＨＤ (pronounced エーディーエイチディー) rather than the full Japanese medical term. When describing symptoms, it's more natural to use descriptive phrases like 不注意が多い or 落ち着きがない rather than directly saying 'I am ADHD'.
Do not translate 'ADHD' word-for-word into Japanese. The older term 注意欠陥・多動性障害 is now considered stigmatizing by some, and the current formal term is 注意欠如・多動症. In most everyday situations, ＡＤＨＤ is perfectly acceptable.