Translation guide
A coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness. In Japanese, the medical term is 昏睡 (こんすい), but in everyday language, people often use 意識不明 (いしきふめい) or describe the situation with phrases like 意識がない (いしきがない).
Describing a person who is in a coma, unresponsive, and cannot be woken up.
The direct medical term for coma. Used in formal or clinical contexts.
Describing a medically induced coma, often to protect the brain after injury.
Literally 'artificial coma'. The standard term for a medically induced coma.
医師は彼を人工昏睡状態にした。
The doctors put him into a medically induced coma.
昏睡 (こんすい) is the precise medical term for coma, used by doctors and in formal writing. 意識不明 (いしきふめい) is the standard term in news reports and general conversation when someone is unconscious and the cause or depth is unknown. 意識がない (いしきがない) is the most casual and direct way to say 'unconscious' and can be used in everyday speech.
While 昏睡 is the direct translation, using it in casual conversation may sound overly technical. In many situations, 意識不明 or 意識がない is more natural.
彼は3週間昏睡状態が続いている。
He has been in a coma for three weeks.
彼女は手術の後、まだ意識がありません。
She is still unconscious after the surgery.
彼は事故の後、昏睡状態に陥った。
He fell into a coma after the accident.
Literally 'consciousness unknown'. Commonly used in news reports and everyday conversation to mean 'unconscious' or 'in a coma'.
意識不明の重体です。
He is in critical condition and unconscious.
Means 'unconscious'. A plain, everyday way to describe someone who is not conscious, which can include being in a coma.
まだ意識がありません。
He is still unconscious.
Refers to a persistent vegetative state, a specific type of coma-like condition. Often used in media but can be sensitive.
彼は植物状態になってしまった。
He ended up in a vegetative state.