Translation guide
A bunion is a painful swelling on the foot, typically at the base of the big toe. In Japanese, the most common term is 外反母趾 (がいはんぼし), which specifically refers to the deformity where the big toe angles inward. There is also a more general term for a bunion-like swelling, バニオン, but it is less common. This guide covers how to talk about bunions in Japanese, including symptoms, causes, and treatment.
I have a bunion.
My bunion hurts.
Referring to the deformity where the big toe angles toward the other toes, often with a bony bump.
This is the standard medical and everyday term for a bunion, specifically hallux valgus. It literally means 'outward-turning big toe'. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
It hurts to walk because of my bunion.
My mother had bunion surgery.
A loanword from English, used in some medical or casual contexts, but less common than 外反母趾. It may be understood, but 外反母趾 is preferred.
My bunion hurts, so I went to the hospital.
Describing the visible bump or swelling without necessarily using the medical term.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'swelling at the base of the big toe'. Useful when you want to describe the symptom without using the medical term.
I'm concerned about the swelling at the base of my big toe.
A medical term for a bunion in the sense of a bursal swelling, but it is rare and technical. Not recommended for everyday use.
外反母趾 is widely understood and used in everyday Japanese. It's safe to use with doctors, friends, or when shopping for shoes. There's no need to use the loanword バニオン unless you prefer it.
I'm looking for shoes for bunions.
I'm researching treatments for bursal bunion.