Translation guide
A blood clot is a thickened mass of blood that forms inside a blood vessel or outside the body. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 血の塊 (chi no katamari). Medical contexts use 血栓 (kessen) for clots inside vessels, while 凝血 (gyōketsu) refers to coagulated blood. This guide covers everyday and medical expressions.
blood clot (general)
blood clot (medical, inside vessel)
Use in medical contexts.
To refer to a blood clot in everyday, non-specialist language, such as a clot from a wound or a visible mass of clotted blood.
The most common and natural way to say 'blood clot' in general contexts. Literally 'lump of blood'. Used for clots outside the body (e.g., from a nosebleed) or visible clots.
A blood clot came out with the nosebleed.
A blood clot has formed on the wound.
Refers to coagulated blood, often used in medical or slightly technical contexts. Can be used for clots inside or outside the body.
To refer specifically to a thrombus, a blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel and may cause health problems like stroke or deep vein thrombosis.
The standard medical term for a thrombus. Used in contexts like deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots can form during long flights.
To describe the action of blood clotting or the state of being clotted.
Refers to coagulation or clotting. Often used in medical or scientific contexts. Can be combined with 血液 (ketsueki) to mean blood coagulation.
I take medicine to prevent blood from clotting.
Everyday expression meaning 'blood clots' or 'blood solidifies'. Used for blood outside the body or in simple explanations.
The blood clotted and formed a scab.
血の塊 (chi no katamari) is the everyday term for any blood clot, especially visible ones. 血栓 (kessen) is the medical term for a clot inside a blood vessel. 凝血 (gyōketsu) is a technical term for coagulated blood, often used in pathology or lab contexts.
血塊 (kekkai) is a medical term that can sound overly technical or graphic in everyday conversation. Stick to 血の塊 for general use.
手術後、凝血ができていないか確認した。
After the surgery, they checked whether any blood clots had formed.
血栓が脳の血管に詰まると、脳梗塞を引き起こす。
If a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, it causes a cerebral infarction.