Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'disability' is expressed through several terms that differ in formality, sensitivity, and context. The most common and neutral term is 障害, but euphemisms and person-first language are increasingly preferred in official and respectful contexts.
The broad, neutral concept of having a physical, mental, or intellectual impairment.
The most common and general term for 'disability' or 'impairment'. It can refer to physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities. While widely used, some consider the kanji 害 ('harm') to be negative, leading to alternative terms.
彼は障害を乗り越えて成功した。
He overcame his disability and succeeded.
障害者用の駐車スペース
parking space for people with disabilities
A euphemistic spelling replacing the kanji 害 ('harm') with hiragana がい. It is used to soften the perceived negativity of the original term, often in official documents or by advocacy groups.
障がいのある方への支援
support for people with disabilities
Literally 'inconvenience' or 'lack of freedom', used as a euphemism for disability, especially in compounds like 足の不自由 (leg disability). It is softer and often used in polite conversation.
足が不自由な方のための設備
facilities for people with leg disabilities
Referring to a person who has a disability, with varying degrees of formality and respect.
Standard term for 'person with a disability'. It is legally defined and widely used, but some prefer person-first alternatives.
障害者雇用を促進する法律
law promoting employment of people with disabilities
A more respectful, person-first expression using 方 (polite 'person'). Preferred in formal or considerate contexts.
障害のある方も利用しやすい施設です。
This facility is easy to use for people with disabilities as well.
A person-first phrasing meaning 'person who has a disability'. It is neutral and commonly used in spoken Japanese.
障害を持つ人への理解を深める。
Deepen understanding toward people with disabilities.
Specifically a disability affecting the body or mobility.
Standard term for 'physical disability'. Used in legal and medical contexts.
身体障害者手帳を取得する。
Obtain a physical disability certificate.
A more general and colloquial way to say 'physical disability', literally 'disability of the body'.
体の障害があってもスポーツを楽しめる。
Even with a physical disability, you can enjoy sports.
A disability related to cognitive or intellectual functioning.
Standard term for 'intellectual disability'. Used in education, medicine, and law.
知的障害のある子どもへの教育支援
educational support for children with intellectual disabilities
Disabilities related to mental health conditions.
Standard term for 'mental disability' or 'psychiatric disability'. Used in legal and medical contexts.
精神障害者保健福祉手帳
mental disability health and welfare certificate
Disabilities such as autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.
Standard term for 'developmental disability'. Widely used in education and healthcare.
発達障害の診断を受ける。
Receive a diagnosis of a developmental disability.
Terms like 片輪 (かたわ) or 不具 (ふぐ) are archaic and highly offensive. Never use them. Stick to 障害 or the euphemistic alternatives.
In respectful contexts, prefer phrases like 障害のある方 (person with a disability) over 障害者 (disabled person), though both are used. The trend is toward person-first language.
障害 is the standard spelling. 障がい is a euphemistic variant used to avoid the character 害 (harm). It is common in government and non-profit publications but not universally adopted.