Translation guide
The English word 'cure' can refer to a remedy that restores health, the act of healing, or a solution to a problem. In Japanese, the most common equivalents are 治療 (ちりょう) for medical treatment, 治す (なおす) for curing a disease or condition, and 治療法 (ちりょうほう) for a cure or therapy. The choice depends on whether you are talking about the process, the method, or the result.
Referring to the act of treating an illness or injury to restore health.
The standard term for medical treatment or therapy. It can be used for both the process and the concept of curing.
He is receiving treatment for cancer.
A new cure has been developed.
A transitive verb meaning 'to cure' or 'to heal'. It implies actively making someone or something better.
The doctor cured the patient.
This medicine cures colds.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to be cured' or 'to heal'. Use this when the subject is the illness or the person getting better on their own.
My cold is cured.
The wound will heal soon.
Specifically refers to a cure or therapy as a method or approach. Often used for established medical treatments.
There is no cure for this disease yet.
Referring to something that solves a non-medical issue, like a social or technical problem.
Means 'solution' or 'remedy' for a problem. It is the most natural choice for non-medical contexts.
Finding a cure for poverty is difficult.
Refers to a countermeasure or measure taken to deal with a problem. Often used in policy or business contexts.
Referring to the process of preserving food by salting, smoking, or drying.
A general verb for preserving food. It can be used for curing, but is broader.
They cure meat with salt.
Specifically means to smoke food for preservation. Use this when the curing method is smoking.
They cure salmon by smoking.
Means to salt-cure or pickle in salt. Common for fish and vegetables.
They cure cucumbers in salt.
治す (なおす) is transitive and requires an agent (someone cures something). 治る (なおる) is intransitive and describes the state of being cured. Compare: 医者が病気を治す (The doctor cures the illness) vs. 病気が治る (The illness is cured).
In English, 'cure' is often used metaphorically (e.g., 'cure for boredom'). In Japanese, 治療 is strictly medical. Use 解決策 or 対策 for abstract problems.
政府は失業の対策を発表した。
The government announced a cure for unemployment.
Literally 'specific medicine', used metaphorically for a surefire solution or magic bullet. Often used in phrases like 'there is no magic cure'.
There is no magic cure for bullying.