Translation guide
The termination of a pregnancy. In Japanese, the most common term is 妊娠中絶 (にんしんちゅうぜつ), often shortened to 中絶 (ちゅうぜつ). There are also specific medical and legal terms, as well as euphemisms.
To refer to the medical procedure of ending a pregnancy.
The most common and general term for abortion. It is an abbreviation of 妊娠中絶.
She chose to have an abortion.
Abortion is legal under certain conditions in Japan.
The full medical term for abortion. More formal than 中絶.
I underwent an abortion procedure.
The legal and medical term for induced abortion, as opposed to spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Used in official contexts.
Induced abortion is regulated by the Maternal Health Act.
To refer to the natural loss of a pregnancy, commonly called a miscarriage.
To talk about abortion in a less direct or softer way.
A common euphemism meaning 'to have an abortion'. Literally 'to drop' or 'to let down'. Used in casual conversation.
Can sound blunt or insensitive depending on context. Use with care.
She had an abortion.
Literally 'to make the choice not to give birth'. A softer, more indirect way to refer to abortion.
She chose not to have the baby.
The katakana word アボーション is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
中絶 (ちゅうぜつ) refers to induced abortion, while 流産 (りゅうざん) refers to miscarriage. Do not confuse them.