Translation guide
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus, commonly referred to by its English name or Japanese abbreviations.
Referring to the illness itself in conversation or writing.
The official Japanese name for COVID-19. Used in formal contexts, news, and government documents. Often shortened in casual speech.
新型コロナウイルス感染症の感染者数が増えています。
The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing.
The most common casual abbreviation. Used in everyday conversation to refer to the disease or the pandemic situation.
コロナが流行ってから、マスクが手放せない。
Since COVID-19 spread, I can't go without a mask.
Slightly more formal than just コロナ, but still common in news and daily speech. Literally 'novel corona'.
新型コロナの影響でイベントが中止になった。
The event was canceled due to COVID-19.
The English acronym is sometimes used in written Japanese, especially in technical or international contexts. Pronounced as 'kobiddo juukyuu'.
COVID-19のワクチン接種が始まりました。
COVID-19 vaccinations have begun.
Referring specifically to the virus that causes COVID-19.
The standard term for the novel coronavirus. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
新型コロナウイルスは変異を繰り返している。
The novel coronavirus keeps mutating.
In casual Japanese, 'コロナ' almost always refers to COVID-19, not the virus family. It's used for the disease, the pandemic, or the situation. For example, 'コロナで仕事を失った' (I lost my job due to COVID).
A shorter form, but can be ambiguous as it may refer to coronaviruses in general. Context usually clarifies.
コロナウイルスの感染経路を調べる。
Investigate the transmission route of the coronavirus.