Translation guide
An abscess is a painful collection of pus caused by an infection. In Japanese, the most common general term is 膿瘍 (のうよう), but in everyday conversation, people often describe the symptoms or use more specific words like できもの (boil-like swelling) or 腫れ物 (swelling).
Referring to an abscess in a medical or general context, such as a skin abscess or internal abscess.
The standard medical term for abscess. Used in formal and clinical settings. Can refer to any abscess, including internal ones.
I developed an abscess at the root of my tooth.
Treatment of an abscess requires incision and drainage.
A common, everyday word for any kind of skin lump, boil, or abscess. Not strictly medical, but widely understood. Often used for visible skin abscesses.
I have a big abscess on my back and it hurts.
Refers to a swelling or boil, often with pus. Similar to できもの but emphasizes the swelling aspect. Common in everyday language.
I have an abscess under my armpit, and it feels hot.
Literally 'pus', but can be used colloquially to refer to a pus-filled abscess. More often used in phrases like 膿が出る (pus comes out).
Pus started coming out of the wound.
Describing a particular kind of abscess, such as a boil, carbuncle, or dental abscess.
Medical term for a boil (furuncle), a type of skin abscess around a hair follicle. Often used in clinical contexts.
I have a boil and it's painful to sit.
Medical term for a carbuncle, a cluster of boils. Rarely used outside medical contexts.
Dental abscess (periapical abscess). Commonly used in dental contexts.
Perianal abscess. A specific medical term.
Talking about the signs of an abscess, such as swelling, pain, redness, and pus.
To accumulate pus. A common way to describe an abscess forming.
Pus accumulated in the wound and it started to swell.
To swell and feel hot. Typical description of an inflamed abscess.
Throbbing pain, often associated with an abscess.
My gum is throbbing with pain; it might be an abscess.
できもの is a general term for any skin lump, including pimples, boils, and cysts. 膿瘍 specifically means a pus-filled abscess and is more clinical. Use できもの in everyday conversation unless you need to be precise.
The English loanword アブセス is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to native Japanese terms.
Diabetic patients are prone to developing carbuncles.
I went to the dentist because of a dental abscess.
Perianal abscesses often require incision and drainage.
That abscess is swollen and feels hot.