Translation guide
A computer virus is a type of malicious software that replicates itself and spreads to other computers. In Japanese, the most common term is コンピューターウイルス, often shortened to ウイルス in context. This guide covers how to talk about computer viruses naturally in Japanese.
コンピューターウイルス
computer virus
ウイルス
virus (short)
Referring to a computer virus in general, such as in news, tech support, or casual conversation.
The standard term for 'computer virus'. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
コンピューターウイルスに感染しました。
My computer got infected with a virus.
Short for コンピューターウイルス. In context, it's clear you mean a computer virus, not a biological one.
ウイルス対策ソフトを入れていますか？
Do you have antivirus software installed?
A broader term for 'malware', which includes viruses. Often used in technical contexts.
最近のマルウェアは巧妙化しています。
Recent malware has become more sophisticated.
Talking about a computer getting a virus or a virus spreading.
The standard way to say 'get infected with a virus'. 感染する is used for both biological and computer viruses.
メールの添付ファイルからウイルスに感染した。
I got a virus from an email attachment.
Means 'the virus spreads'. Intransitive verb.
このウイルスはネットワークを通じて広がります。
This virus spreads through the network.
Discussing antivirus software, scanning, and protection measures.
Short for ウイルス対策ソフトウェア, meaning 'antivirus software'. Often abbreviated as 対策ソフト.
ウイルス対策ソフトを更新してください。
Please update your antivirus software.
A virus scan. Often used as a suru-verb: ウイルススキャンする.
定期的にウイルススキャンをしていますか？
Do you run virus scans regularly?
Referring to specific kinds of computer viruses.
Trojan horse. A type of malware disguised as legitimate software.
そのファイルはトロイの木馬でした。
That file was a Trojan horse.
Worm. A standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers.
In Japanese, ウイルス can mean both biological and computer viruses. Usually, the context makes it clear. If you need to be explicit, use コンピューターウイルス.
A worm spread through the company network.
Ransomware. Malware that encrypts files and demands payment.
ランサムウェアに感染してファイルが開けなくなった。
I got infected with ransomware and can't open my files.