Translation guide
The English word 'biological' is used in several distinct contexts. This guide covers how to express these in Japanese, from scientific terms to everyday phrases.
Describing something as pertaining to the science of biology or to living things in general.
The most direct and common translation for 'biological' in scientific and academic contexts. It is an adjective formed from 生物学 (biology).
これは生物学的な問題です。
This is a biological problem.
Used as a noun modifier meaning 'of biology'. Often interchangeable with 生物学的な, but slightly more formal or academic.
生物学の分野で働いています。
I work in the field of biology.
Literally 'of living things'. Used when referring to characteristics or processes of organisms, rather than the science itself.
生物の多様性は重要です。
Biological diversity is important.
Referring to genetic or birth relationships, as opposed to adoptive or step relationships.
Literally 'connected by blood'. The most natural way to say 'biological' when referring to family members.
彼は私の血のつながった父親ではありません。
He is not my biological father.
A prefix meaning 'real' or 'true', used for biological parents, siblings, etc. Common in everyday speech.
実の母親に会いたい。
I want to meet my biological mother.
Specifically for 'biological' in the sense of 'birth' (e.g., birth mother). More emotionally nuanced.
生みの親を探しています。
I am searching for my biological parents.
Referring to weapons or warfare that use pathogens or toxins.
The standard term for 'biological weapon'. Often used in news and formal contexts.
生物兵器の使用は禁止されています。
The use of biological weapons is prohibited.
Means 'by biological weapons' or 'biological (attack)'. Used as a modifier.
生物兵器による攻撃が懸念されている。
A biological attack is feared.
Used in legal, medical, or formal contexts to specify a genetic parent.
Formal term for 'biological parent'. Used in documents or professional settings.
生物学的な親の同意が必要です。
Consent from the biological parent is required.
Do not use 生物学的な for family members in casual conversation. It sounds overly clinical. Use 血のつながった or 実の instead.
彼は私の生物学的な父親です。
He is my biological father. (unnatural in casual speech)
血のつながった emphasizes blood relation and can be used for any relative. 実の is more common for parents and siblings and carries a nuance of 'real' as opposed to step- or adoptive.