Translation guide
The condition of being unable to hear, or the medical/cultural concept of hearing loss. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 難聴 (なんちょう), but expressions vary by context, politeness, and whether referring to the condition itself or to Deaf culture.
To refer to deafness or hearing impairment in a neutral, clinical, or everyday context.
The standard medical and general term for hearing loss or deafness. Can be used for partial or total hearing loss. Often combined with modifiers like 軽度 (mild) or 重度 (severe).
He has mild hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss is progressing.
Literally 'hearing disability'. A more formal term used in official, medical, and educational contexts. It encompasses a range of hearing impairments, not just total deafness.
We provide services for people with hearing disabilities.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the state of not being able to hear'. More conversational and direct than 難聴, but can be used in everyday speech.
I feel inconvenienced in daily life because of my deafness.
To emphasize complete inability to hear, often in medical or descriptive contexts.
The kanji 聾 means 'deafness', often implying profound or total hearing loss. It is used in compound words like 聾学校 (school for the deaf) or 聾者 (deaf person), but the standalone kanji is less common in everyday speech.
He has been deaf since birth.
Means 'totally deaf' or 'profoundly deaf'. Used in medical or educational settings to specify complete hearing loss.
To refer to the cultural and linguistic identity of Deaf people who use sign language and share a community.
Refers to Deaf culture, the shared values, traditions, and language (Japanese Sign Language) of the Deaf community in Japan.
In Deaf culture, sign language plays an important role.
A term for a Deaf person, especially one who identifies with Deaf culture and uses sign language. More identity-focused than 聴覚障害者.
To describe a condition where hearing is lost suddenly or temporarily, often due to illness or injury.
難聴 (なんちょう) is the most common and neutral term for hearing loss, used in everyday and medical contexts. 聴覚障害 (ちょうかくしょうがい) is a formal term for hearing disability, often used in official documents and services. ろう (聾) specifically refers to profound deafness and is often used in the context of Deaf culture and identity. When in doubt, 難聴 is a safe choice for general hearing loss.
People with hearing loss sometimes use hearing aids.
I obtained a disability certificate for hearing impairment.
I learned sign language at a school for the deaf.
While 耳が聞こえない (みみがきこえない) means 'cannot hear', the noun form 耳の聞こえなさ is not a standard or natural way to say 'deafness'. Use 難聴 or 聴覚障害 instead.
In Japanese, direct references to disabilities can sometimes be softened. Phrases like 耳が不自由 (みみがふじゆう, 'hearing-impaired') or 耳の聞こえが悪い (みみのきこえがわるい, 'poor hearing') are used as euphemisms in polite conversation. However, within the Deaf community, ろう is preferred as a positive identity marker.
For children who are profoundly deaf, sign language often becomes their first language.
She is a Deaf person and uses Japanese Sign Language.
I got temporary hearing loss from a loud noise.