Translation guide
A viral disease affecting birds, sometimes transmissible to humans. In Japanese, the most common term is 鳥インフルエンザ, often shortened in news contexts.
Referring to the disease itself, especially in medical, news, or general contexts.
In news headlines or broadcasts, 鳥インフルエンザ is often shortened to 鳥インフル (とりインフル). This is common in spoken news but less formal.
Bird flu: new infections confirmed
The standard term for avian influenza. Used in formal and informal settings.
Bird flu is spreading.
A case of bird flu has been confirmed.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Used in technical or official reports.
An outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu was reported.
Literally 'bird cold'. A colloquial, less precise term sometimes used in casual conversation, but not standard.
May sound unscientific or dismissive. Use 鳥インフルエンザ instead.
I heard bird flu can sometimes infect humans.