Translation guide
The English word 'convulsions' refers to sudden, violent, irregular movements of the body caused by involuntary muscle contractions. In Japanese, the most common and general term is けいれん (痙攣), but there are several other words and expressions depending on the context, such as medical terminology, seizures, or figurative use.
To refer to convulsions or muscle spasms in a medical or general context.
The most common and general term for convulsions or muscle spasms. Used in both medical and everyday contexts.
He suddenly had convulsions.
Febrile convulsions are common in children.
A more colloquial term for convulsions, especially in children. Often used by parents or in non-medical settings.
I panicked when my child had convulsions.
Refers to a seizure or fit, often associated with epilepsy. Can be used for convulsive seizures.
Convulsions occurred due to an epileptic seizure.
To specifically refer to convulsions caused by epilepsy.
To describe a state of uncontrollable laughter or emotional outburst, similar to 'convulsions of laughter'.
To refer to a sudden, painful muscle contraction, like a cramp or charley horse.
Specifically a calf cramp or charley horse. Very common term.
I got a calf cramp in the middle of the night and it hurt.
General term for muscle spasm or cramp. More formal/medical.
A colloquial term for muscle cramp, often used as a verb 攣る (つる).
My leg cramped up!
痙攣 (けいれん) is the general medical term for convulsions or spasms. 引きつけ (ひきつけ) is a colloquial term often used for convulsions in children. 発作 (ほっさ) refers to a seizure or fit, commonly associated with epilepsy, but can also be used for other paroxysmal attacks (e.g., asthma attack).
Doctors say 'keiren', but parents often say 'hikitsuke'.
While English can say 'convulsions of laughter', Japanese 痙攣 is primarily medical. For uncontrollable laughter, use phrases like 笑いが止まらない or 爆笑する.
癲癇の症状として痙攣が現れる。
Convulsions appear as a symptom of epilepsy.
To roll with laughter; to laugh so hard one convulses. A vivid, somewhat dramatic expression.
His story was so funny I rolled with laughter.
Muscle spasms can occur after exercise.