Translation guide
The English word "cripple" can be a verb meaning to disable or severely impair, or a noun referring to a person with a physical disability. The noun is now considered offensive in English, and Japanese equivalents vary in politeness and context. This guide covers both verb and noun uses, with emphasis on natural Japanese expressions and important cultural notes.
Expressing the action of causing someone to become physically disabled, often through injury.
Literal and formal way to say 'to cause a physical disability'. Used in legal or medical contexts.
その事故は彼に身体障害を負わせた。
The accident crippled him.
Specifically for impairing legs or walking ability. More common in everyday speech.
その病気で彼は足が不自由になった。
The illness crippled his legs.
Means 'to damage' or 'impair'. Can be used for body parts or functions.
Describing how something is made ineffective or unable to operate normally.
Literally 'paralyze the function'. Common for systems, networks, or organizations.
ハッキングでシステムの機能が麻痺した。
The hacking crippled the system.
Transitive verb meaning 'to paralyze'. Used for both literal and figurative crippling.
ストライキが交通を麻痺させた。
The strike crippled transportation.
Means 'to deal a heavy blow'. Emphasizes the severe impact.
その不祥事は会社に大打撃を与えた。
The scandal crippled the company.
Means 'to destroy' or 'annihilate'. Stronger than 'cripple', implies near-total destruction.
地震が町を壊滅させた。
The earthquake crippled the town.
Referring to a person who has a physical disability. Note: The English word is now considered a slur. Japanese equivalents range from highly offensive to neutral/formal.
He was called a cripple. · The charity helps cripples.
Instead of a direct equivalent, describe the condition respectfully. E.g., 'person with a physical disability' or 'wheelchair user'.
彼は身体障害者です。
He is a person with a physical disability.
車椅子を使っている人
a person who uses a wheelchair
Highly offensive slur equivalent to 'cripple'. Avoid entirely. Included only for recognition.
This word is extremely derogatory and should never be used.
Archaic/offensive term for a disabled person. Not used in modern polite speech.
Outdated and offensive. Do not use.
The English noun 'cripple' is now widely considered a slur. In Japanese, the closest direct equivalents (かたわ, 不具者) are also highly offensive. Always use respectful, person-first language such as 身体障害者 (physically disabled person) or describe the specific condition.
彼は足が不自由です。
He has a leg disability. (natural, respectful)
麻痺させる emphasizes paralysis or stoppage of function, often used for systems, traffic, or nerves. 大打撃を与える emphasizes a heavy blow or severe damage, often used for economic or reputational harm. Choose based on whether the focus is on loss of function or the severity of impact.
その怪我が彼の歩行能力を損なった。
The injury crippled his ability to walk.
Standard formal term for 'physically disabled person'. Neutral in official contexts but can feel clinical.
身体障害者向けの施設
facilities for the physically disabled
彼はかたわと呼ばれた。
He was called a cripple.
Please do not use the word 'cripple'.