Translation guide
In Japanese, the medical term for anorexia is 拒食症 (きょしょくしょう), but in everyday conversation, people more commonly describe the condition as 食欲がない (しょくよくがない, 'no appetite') or 食べられない (たべられない, 'can't eat'). The English word 'anorexia' often implies the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which is 神経性無食欲症 (しんけいせいむしょくよくしょう) or more commonly 拒食症. Be aware that directly translating 'anorexia' as 拒食症 may sound clinical; in casual contexts, describing the symptom is more natural.
Referring to the eating disorder characterized by restricted food intake and fear of gaining weight.
The standard medical term for anorexia nervosa. Commonly used in clinical and everyday contexts.
Describing a lack of desire to eat, not necessarily the eating disorder.
The most natural way to say 'I have no appetite' or 'I'm not hungry.' Used in daily conversation.
最近、食欲がなくて困っている。
Lately I've had no appetite and it's troubling me.
Using 拒食症 when you simply mean 'I'm not hungry' can cause confusion or alarm. Reserve 拒食症 for the clinical eating disorder. For everyday lack of appetite, use 食欲がない or similar phrases.
今日は食欲がない。
I don't have an appetite today.
拒食症 (anorexia nervosa) is a psychiatric condition involving intentional food restriction and fear of weight gain. 食欲不振 (loss of appetite) is a symptom that can occur with many illnesses and is not necessarily psychological. In English, 'anorexia' can refer to both, but in Japanese, the distinction is clearer.
彼女は拒食症で入院した。
She was hospitalized for anorexia.
The full formal medical term for anorexia nervosa. Used in official diagnoses and medical literature.
神経性無食欲症は深刻な病気です。
Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness.
Loanword from English, sometimes used in fashion or media contexts, but less common than 拒食症.
アノレクシアのモデルが問題になった。
Anorexic models became a problem.
A slightly more formal term for 'loss of appetite,' often used in medical contexts or on health questionnaires.
食欲不振が続く場合は医師に相談してください。
If loss of appetite persists, please consult a doctor.
A casual way to say 'I don't feel like eating.' Emphasizes lack of motivation rather than physical inability.
暑くて食べる気がしない。
It's so hot I don't feel like eating.
Literally 'can't eat.' Can imply physical inability, nausea, or psychological aversion. Context-dependent.
ストレスで食べられない。
I can't eat because of stress.
Anorexia is a mental illness, but loss of appetite often has physical causes.
Anorexia is a mental illness, but loss of appetite often has physical causes.