Translation guide
How to express the concept of addiction in Japanese, from clinical dependence to casual obsession.
To describe a medical or psychological dependence on a substance like drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.
The standard term for addiction as a medical condition. Often used with the substance name.
He has an alcohol addiction.
Receive treatment for drug addiction.
Literally 'poisoning', but commonly used for addiction, especially in compound words. Can sound slightly less clinical than 依存症.
I can't quit smoking because of nicotine addiction.
The number of drug addicts is increasing.
Dependence. Often used in compounds or with a verb. Can refer to psychological or physical dependence.
Break free from drug addiction.
To describe compulsive engagement in activities like gambling, gaming, or shopping.
To express that someone is 'addicted' to something in a casual, non-medical sense, like a hobby or food.
The most natural way to say 'I'm addicted to...' for hobbies, games, foods, etc. Literally 'I'm stuck on...'.
I've been addicted to this game lately.
He's addicted to ramen.
Used casually and often humorously for non-clinical 'addiction'. Common in compounds like カフェイン中毒 (caffeine addiction).
I'm addicted to chocolate and end up eating it every day.
Means 'captive of...' or 'slave to...'. Used for strong fascination or obsession, often with a nuance of being charmed.
She became addicted to that singer (captivated by them).
To talk about addiction in general, as a social issue or abstract idea.
依存症 (いぞんしょう) is the clinical term for addiction as a medical condition, emphasizing dependence. 中毒 (ちゅうどく) literally means 'poisoning' and is used more broadly, including for acute poisoning (e.g., food poisoning) and casual 'addiction'. For serious substance abuse, 依存症 is preferred in formal contexts, while 中毒 is common in everyday speech and compound words.
English often uses 'addicted to' casually (e.g., 'I'm addicted to this show'). Direct translation like 中毒です can sound overly dramatic or clinical. Use ハマっている for casual obsession, or 中毒 only in light-hearted, self-deprecating contexts.
Gaming addiction has become a problem.
スマホ中毒で寝不足だ。
I'm sleep-deprived from smartphone addiction.
I'm researching addiction.