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.
He overcame his disability and succeeded.
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.
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.
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.
law promoting employment of people with disabilities
A more respectful, person-first expression using 方 (polite 'person'). Preferred in formal or considerate contexts.
A person-first phrasing meaning 'person who has a disability'. It is neutral and commonly used in spoken Japanese.
Specifically a disability affecting the body or mobility.
Standard term for 'physical disability'. Used in legal and medical contexts.
Obtain a physical disability certificate.
A more general and colloquial way to say 'physical disability', literally 'disability of the body'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This facility is easy to use for people with disabilities as well.
Deepen understanding toward people with disabilities.