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.
She was hospitalized for anorexia.
The full formal medical term for anorexia nervosa. Used in official diagnoses and medical literature.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness.
Loanword from English, sometimes used in fashion or media contexts, but less common than 拒食症.
Anorexic models became a problem.
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.
Lately I've had no appetite and it's troubling me.
A casual way to say 'I don't feel like eating.' Emphasizes lack of motivation rather than physical inability.
Literally 'can't eat.' Can imply physical inability, nausea, or psychological aversion. Context-dependent.
I can't eat because of stress.
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.
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.
A slightly more formal term for 'loss of appetite,' often used in medical contexts or on health questionnaires.
If loss of appetite persists, please consult a doctor.
It's so hot I don't feel like eating.
Anorexia is a mental illness, but loss of appetite often has physical causes.