Translation guide
How to say 'DNA test' in Japanese, from medical paternity tests to casual ancestry kits.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a DNA test in any context (medical, legal, ancestry).
The standard term for DNA testing, especially for identification or paternity. Used in formal and technical contexts.
The DNA test confirmed the parent-child relationship.
A broader term that can include medical genetic testing, not just identification. Slightly less specific than 鑑定.
I had a DNA test at the hospital.
Specifically a DNA test to determine parent-child relationship.
Literally 'parent-child identification'. The most direct term for a paternity/maternity test.
To request a paternity test.
Explicitly a DNA-based parent-child test. Used when clarity is needed.
The accuracy of DNA paternity testing is very high.
A consumer DNA test to learn about ethnic origins or find relatives.
Commonly used for direct-to-consumer ancestry tests. 祖先 means 'ancestors'.
I learned about my roots through a DNA ancestry test.
A more technical term for genetic genealogy testing. Less common in everyday speech.
DNA testing used in criminal investigations.
Specifically refers to DNA profiling/typing used in forensics.
They conducted a DNA test on the hair found at the scene.
Using the English term directly in Japanese conversation.
A loanword often used in casual contexts or when referring to consumer kits. Understandable but less formal.
I bought a DNA test kit.
鑑定 (kantei) implies appraisal or identification, often for legal or official purposes (e.g., paternity, forensics). 検査 (kensa) is a general medical examination or test. For DNA, 鑑定 is more precise for identity testing, while 検査 can include health-related genetic tests.
Genetic genealogy testing is gaining popularity.