Translation guide
A medical imaging technique using computer-processed X-rays to produce cross-sectional images. In Japanese, the most common term is the abbreviation CT (シーティー), often used in compounds. The full term is コンピュータ断層撮影, but it is less frequent in everyday medical communication.
Referring to the diagnostic test itself, often in a hospital or clinic setting.
The abbreviation is overwhelmingly common in Japanese medical contexts. It can be used as a noun or in compounds.
明日、CTを撮ります。
I'll have a CT scan tomorrow.
CTの結果は来週出ます。
The CT results will be out next week.
Very common, especially when emphasizing the scanning action. Slightly more explicit than just CT.
CTスキャンを受けることになりました。
I ended up having a CT scan.
The full Japanese term. Used in formal documents, academic papers, or when explaining the technology. Not typical in casual conversation.
コンピュータ断層撮影は、X線を使って体の断面を画像化する技術です。
Computerized tomography is a technique that uses X-rays to image cross-sections of the body.
Literally 'CT examination'. Common in medical settings when referring to the test as a whole.
CT検査の予約は午後3時です。
Your CT exam is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Discussing CT as a imaging method, often in contrast to MRI or X-ray.
Again, the abbreviation is standard. Used in technical discussions as well.
CTとMRIの違いは何ですか？
What's the difference between CT and MRI?
Adding 法 (method) makes it explicitly 'computerized tomography method'. Very formal and technical.
コンピュータ断層撮影法は1970年代に開発されました。
Computerized tomography was developed in the 1970s.
Referring to the physical device.
Standard term for the CT machine.
新しいCT装置が導入されました。
A new CT scanner has been installed.
Loanword from English, also common.
CTスキャナーが故障しています。
The CT scanner is out of order.
In almost all contexts, Japanese speakers use the abbreviation CT (シーティー) rather than the full term. Even in formal medical reports, CT is standard. The full term コンピュータ断層撮影 is mainly used in definitions or very formal explanations.
CT (シーティー) uses X-rays; MRI (エムアールアイ) uses magnetic fields. In Japanese, both abbreviations are used without translation. Patients often say CTを撮る (take a CT) or MRIを受ける (undergo an MRI).