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.
He is infected with HIV.
The full Japanese term for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Used in formal or scientific contexts.
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.
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'.
She found out she was infected with HIV.
Means 'HIV-positive'. Used in medical reports and discussions of test results.
The test result was HIV-positive.
Discussing HIV testing, prevention, or transmission
HIV test. 検査 means test or examination.
I would like to get an HIV test.
HIV infection prevention. 予防 means prevention.
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.