Translation guide
The English term "brain damage" refers to injury to the brain that impairs its functions. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 脳損傷 (のうそんしょう), but depending on context, other terms like 脳障害 (のうしょうがい) or more specific medical terms may be used. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
To refer to brain damage in a medical or general context, such as after an accident or illness.
The standard medical term for brain damage, referring to physical injury to the brain tissue. Used in clinical settings and news reports.
事故で脳損傷を受けた。
He suffered brain damage in the accident.
Treatment for brain damage takes time.
A broader term that can include functional impairments, not just physical damage. Often used in contexts of developmental or chronic conditions.
彼は生まれつきの脳障害がある。
He has brain damage from birth.
Specifically refers to cerebral contusion, a bruise on the brain. Used in medical diagnoses.
MRIで脳挫傷が確認された。
Brain contusion was confirmed by MRI.
To express that someone has suffered brain damage in a casual or exaggerated way, often implying foolishness or mental impairment.
Literally 'head is strange', used colloquially to say someone is crazy or not thinking straight. Can be offensive if used seriously.
This is not a medical term and can be rude. Use only in very informal settings.
そんなこと言うなんて、頭がおかしいんじゃない？
Are you brain damaged or something to say that?
Literally 'lacking brain', a slangy way to call someone stupid or brainless.
Very informal and insulting. Avoid in polite conversation.
あいつは脳みそが足りない。
That guy has brain damage.
To describe lasting effects of brain injury, such as in legal or insurance contexts.
Refers to brain damage as a permanent aftereffect of an injury or illness. Common in medical and legal documents.
事故の後遺症として脳障害が残った。
He was left with brain damage as a result of the accident.
Higher brain dysfunction, a specific category of cognitive impairments after brain damage. Used in rehabilitation and disability certification.
高次脳機能障害のリハビリテーション
rehabilitation for higher brain dysfunction
In English, 'brain damage' can be used hyperbolically to insult someone's intelligence. In Japanese, directly translating this as 脳損傷 would sound bizarre and overly medical. Use colloquial phrases like 頭がおかしい or 脳みそが足りない instead, but be aware they are still offensive.
脳損傷 (のうそんしょう) emphasizes physical injury, while 脳障害 (のうしょうがい) is broader and includes functional disorders. In many contexts, they overlap, but for trauma, 脳損傷 is more precise.