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.
asbestos (material)
asbestos (formal/technical)
Often used in legal or historical 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.
This building contains asbestos.
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.
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.
The number of patients with asbestos-related diseases is increasing.
Specifically refers to asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. More technical.
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 was diagnosed with asbestosis.
アスベストが原因で中皮腫を発症した。
He developed mesothelioma due to asbestos.