Translation guide
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the English-derived acronym HIV, but there are also native terms and related expressions.
Referring to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
The most common and standard way to refer to HIV in Japanese, used in medical contexts, news, and everyday conversation. Pronounced エイチアイブイ.
彼はHIVに感染している。
He is infected with HIV.
The full Japanese term for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Used in formal or scientific contexts.
ヒト免疫不全ウイルスは免疫系を攻撃する。
The human immunodeficiency virus attacks the immune system.
Literally 'AIDS virus'. This term is less precise because HIV and AIDS are different, but it is sometimes used colloquially. Use with caution.
This term conflates HIV and AIDS, which may cause confusion in medical contexts.
エイズウイルスに感染した。
I got infected with the AIDS virus.
Talking about being HIV-positive or having HIV
The standard way to say 'to be infected with HIV'. The verb 感染する means 'to be infected'.
彼女はHIVに感染していることがわかった。
She found out she was infected with HIV.
Means 'HIV-positive'. Used in medical reports and discussions of test results.
検査の結果、HIV陽性だった。
The test result was HIV-positive.
Discussing HIV testing, prevention, or transmission
HIV test. 検査 means test or examination.
HIV検査を受けたいのですが。
I would like to get an HIV test.
HIV infection prevention. 予防 means prevention.
HIV感染予防について学ぶ。
Learn about HIV prevention.
HIV (エイチアイブイ) is the virus, while AIDS (エイズ) is the syndrome. In Japanese, エイズ is often used to refer to the disease, but be precise when discussing the virus itself.