Translation guide
STI (sexually transmitted infection) in Japanese is most commonly referred to as 性感染症 (seikansenshō) in medical and formal contexts, or abbreviated as STI in casual or modern usage. This guide covers how to talk about STIs, get tested, and discuss symptoms naturally.
Referring to sexually transmitted infections in general, in medical, educational, or everyday conversation.
The standard medical and formal term for STI. Used in clinics, health materials, and serious discussion.
性感染症の予防にはコンドームが有効です。
Condoms are effective for preventing STIs.
The English abbreviation is widely understood, especially among younger people and in casual conversation. Pronounced as English letters.
STIの検査を受けたほうがいいよ。
You should get tested for STIs.
An older term meaning 'venereal disease'. Still used colloquially but can sound dated or slightly stigmatizing. Use 性感染症 in formal contexts.
May carry negative connotations; prefer 性感染症 in sensitive situations.
性病になったことがある人はいますか？
Is there anyone who has had an STI?
Talking about STI testing, check-ups, or asking someone to get tested.
The standard phrase for 'get tested for STIs'. Use in any context.
性感染症の検査を受けに行きます。
I'm going to get tested for STIs.
A shorter, casual way to say 'STI test'. Common in conversation and online.
STI検査ってどこで受けられるの？
Where can you get an STI test?
Naming common STIs when discussing symptoms or diagnosis.
Chlamydia. Very common term in medical and everyday contexts.
クラミジアは症状が出ないことも多いです。
Chlamydia often shows no symptoms.
Gonorrhea. Standard term.
Syphilis. Standard term.
HIV. Usually referred to by the English abbreviation. エイズ (AIDS) is also used.
HIVの検査も一緒に受けられますか？
Can I get an HIV test at the same time?
Herpes. Commonly used.
Describing symptoms or how STIs are spread.
To show symptoms. Essential phrase.
STIの症状が出たらすぐに病院に行ってください。
If you have STI symptoms, go to a clinic right away.
To be transmitted through sexual contact. Standard phrase.
多くの性感染症は性行為で感染します。
Many STIs are transmitted through sexual contact.
In Japanese, the distinction between STI (infection) and STD (disease) is not always made in everyday language. 性感染症 covers both concepts. The English abbreviation STI is gaining popularity over STD in Japan, mirroring global trends.
When discussing STIs with a partner, direct translations like 'Do you have an STI?' (性感染症を持っていますか？) can sound accusatory. Instead, use phrases like 検査受けたことある？ (Have you ever been tested?) to keep the conversation natural and less confrontational.
淋病の治療には抗生物質を使います。
Antibiotics are used to treat gonorrhea.
梅毒の感染者が増えています。
Syphilis cases are increasing.
Genital herpes can recur.