Translation guide
In Japanese, 'aftereffect' is commonly expressed with words like 後遺症 for medical or lasting consequences, 余波 for ripple effects, and 影響 for general influence. The choice depends on whether the effect is physical, psychological, or situational.
To refer to a persistent condition resulting from an illness, injury, or traumatic event.
The standard term for medical aftereffects or sequelae. Often used for long-term effects of diseases or accidents.
交通事故の後遺症に悩まされている。
I am suffering from the aftereffects of a traffic accident.
コロナの後遺症で味覚が戻らない。
My sense of taste hasn't returned due to the aftereffects of COVID.
A legal/medical term for residual disability or impairment, often used in insurance or compensation contexts.
後遺障害等級の認定を受けた。
I received a certification of residual disability grade.
To describe the indirect consequences or lingering impact of a significant event, such as a scandal, disaster, or major change.
Literally 'afterwaves', used for the ripple effects or aftermath of an event, often in news or social contexts.
不祥事の余波で株価が下落した。
Stock prices fell due to the aftermath of the scandal.
台風の余波で大雨が続いている。
Heavy rain continues as an aftereffect of the typhoon.
A general word for influence or effect. When used with time-related modifiers, it can convey 'aftereffect'.
Sometimes used metaphorically for non-medical lingering effects, but 余波 is more natural for events.
To refer to an unintended consequence, especially of a drug, treatment, or action.
Primarily means 'side effect', but can be used for aftereffects of medication or treatment.
この薬の副作用で眠くなる。
This medicine has an aftereffect of making you drowsy.
Reaction or backlash; the aftereffect of an extreme action or policy.
To express a persistent emotional or mental state following an experience.
The lingering impression or emotional aftereffect, often of a beautiful or profound experience.
映画の余韻に浸っている。
I'm basking in the aftereffect of the movie.
Literally 'aftertaste', used metaphorically for the lingering feeling (often negative) after an event.
後遺症 is for physical/medical aftereffects or metaphorical lasting damage. 余波 is for ripple effects of events, often in news. Using 後遺症 for a scandal sounds overly dramatic; 余波 is more natural.
不祥事の余波で辞任した。
He resigned due to the aftermath of the scandal.
The English 'aftereffect' is often translated directly as 後効果 (こうこうか), but this is not a standard Japanese word. Use the appropriate term based on context.
その決定の影響は長く続いた。
The aftereffects of that decision lasted a long time.
戦争の後遺症が社会に残っている。
The aftereffects of the war remain in society.
急激な改革の反動で混乱が起きた。
The aftereffect of the rapid reforms caused chaos.
彼の言葉に嫌な後味が残った。
His words left a bad aftereffect.