Translation guide
Asbestos is a mineral fiber once widely used in construction for insulation and fireproofing, now known to be a serious health hazard. In Japanese, the most common term is アスベスト, with 石綿 used in formal or technical contexts.
The learner wants to refer to asbestos as a material, especially in everyday or news contexts.
The most common and widely understood term for asbestos in Japanese. Used in news, everyday conversation, and official documents.
この建物にはアスベストが使われています。
This building contains asbestos.
アスベストの除去作業が行われた。
Asbestos removal work was carried out.
The traditional Japanese word for asbestos, literally 'stone cotton'. Often used in legal, technical, or historical contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
石綿による健康被害が問題になっている。
Health damage caused by asbestos has become a problem.
The learner wants to talk about health problems caused by asbestos, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
A general term for asbestos-related diseases. Used in medical and news contexts.
アスベスト関連疾患の患者数は増加している。
The number of patients with asbestos-related diseases is increasing.
Specifically refers to asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. More technical.
彼は石綿肺と診断された。
He was diagnosed with asbestosis.
Mesothelioma, a cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. A specific medical term.
In most situations, アスベスト is the safest choice. Use 石綿 when you need a more formal or traditional term, such as in academic writing or legal documents.
He developed mesothelioma due to asbestos.