Translation guide
Hansen's disease (leprosy) is a chronic infectious disease. In Japanese, the medical term is ハンセン病, but historical and social context is important because the older term 癩病 is now considered discriminatory.
Referring to the disease in a clinical or modern context
The standard medical term for Hansen's disease. This is the neutral, non-discriminatory term used in healthcare and official contexts.
ハンセン病は早期治療で治ります。
Hansen's disease can be cured with early treatment.
An older term for leprosy. Now considered discriminatory and outdated. Avoid using this term; it is included here only for recognition in historical contexts.
This term is stigmatizing and should not be used in modern conversation or writing.
かつて「らい病」と呼ばれていた病気は、現在ではハンセン病と呼ばれます。
The disease once called 'rai-byō' is now called Hansen's disease.
Discussing the history of the disease, discrimination, or sanatoriums
Even in historical discussions, the modern term is preferred. Use this when talking about past policies or patients.
ハンセン病の歴史は差別と偏見に満ちている。
The history of Hansen's disease is filled with discrimination and prejudice.
Refers to sanatoriums for Hansen's disease patients. Many such facilities existed in Japan under past isolation policies.
国立ハンセン病療養所は現在も存続しています。
National Hansen's disease sanatoriums still exist today.
Refers to the social issue surrounding Hansen's disease, including past discrimination and compensation.
ハンセン病問題は日本の人権課題の一つです。
The Hansen's disease issue is one of Japan's human rights challenges.
Referring to a person with Hansen's disease
Standard term for a patient with Hansen's disease. Neutral and appropriate.
ハンセン病患者に対する偏見をなくす必要があります。
We need to eliminate prejudice against Hansen's disease patients.
Term for a person who has recovered from Hansen's disease. Emphasizes recovery rather than ongoing illness.
ハンセン病回復者の社会復帰を支援する。
Support the social reintegration of Hansen's disease survivors.
Literally 'former Hansen's disease patient'. Used in some contexts, but '回復者' is often preferred.
元ハンセン病患者の体験を聞く会。
A meeting to hear the experiences of former Hansen's disease patients.
The term 癩病 (らいびょう) is highly stigmatizing and should never be used. Always use ハンセン病 in modern contexts. Even in historical discussions, it is better to use ハンセン病 or clarify that the old term is being mentioned for historical accuracy.
「癩病」という言葉は差別用語です。
The word 'rai-byō' is a discriminatory term.
The disease name is written in katakana as ハンセン病, following the pattern of many medical terms derived from foreign names. The kanji 病 (disease) is often appended.