Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'anesthetic' is expressed through different words depending on whether it refers to general anesthesia (unconsciousness), local anesthesia (numbing a specific area), or the medical specialty. The most common and general term is 麻酔 (masui), which can refer to both the state and the substance.
The broadest and most common way to refer to an anesthetic substance or the state of anesthesia, used in medical and everyday contexts.
This is the most general term for 'anesthetic' or 'anesthesia'. It can refer to the substance itself or the induced state. Commonly used in compounds like 麻酔薬 (anesthetic drug) and 麻酔科 (anesthesiology department).
手術の前に麻酔をかけます。
We will administer anesthetic before the surgery.
麻酔が切れて痛みが出てきた。
The anesthetic wore off and I started feeling pain.
Specifically refers to an anesthetic drug or agent. More precise than 麻酔 when emphasizing the pharmaceutical substance.
この麻酔薬は副作用が少ない。
This anesthetic drug has few side effects.
When referring to anesthetics that cause loss of consciousness for major surgery.
General anesthesia. Used when the patient is put to sleep completely.
全身麻酔で手術を受けました。
I had surgery under general anesthetic.
When referring to anesthetics that numb only a part of the body, such as at the dentist.
Local anesthesia. Used for numbing a specific area while the patient remains conscious.
歯の治療は局所麻酔で行います。
Dental treatment is done under local anesthetic.
Local anesthetic drug. Often used in medical contexts.
局所麻酔薬を注射します。
I will inject a local anesthetic.
Referring to the field of anesthesiology or an anesthesiologist.
The department of anesthesiology. Used in hospital settings.
麻酔科の医師が麻酔を担当します。
The anesthesiologist will handle the anesthetic.
Anesthesiologist. The doctor who administers anesthesia.
麻酔科医が麻酔の量を調整する。
The anesthesiologist adjusts the amount of anesthetic.
麻薬 (mayaku) means 'narcotic' or 'illegal drug', not 'anesthetic'. Using 麻薬 when you mean anesthetic could cause serious misunderstanding.
In casual contexts, Japanese speakers often just say 麻酔 (masui) to refer to the anesthetic they received, without specifying general or local. For example, at the dentist: 「麻酔がまだ効いてる」(The anesthetic is still working).
General anesthetic drug. More specific when referring to the agent itself.
新しい全身麻酔薬が開発された。
A new general anesthetic has been developed.