Translation guide
The condition of being dependent on drugs, including both physical and psychological aspects. Japanese has several terms that distinguish between medical, legal, and colloquial contexts.
To refer to drug addiction in a general, often medical or formal context.
The standard term for drug dependence, used in medical and official contexts. Covers both physical and psychological addiction.
彼は薬物依存の治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment for drug addiction.
Literally 'drug poisoning', often used for addiction with a focus on the toxic effects. Can imply a more severe or acute condition.
薬物中毒で入院した。
He was hospitalized for drug addiction.
Specifically addiction to narcotics or illegal drugs. Often used in legal or news contexts.
麻薬中毒者が増えている。
The number of drug addicts is increasing.
To talk about drug addiction in casual conversation.
Abbreviation of 薬物中毒, used colloquially. Can be derogatory.
Can be offensive; use with care.
あいつ、薬中らしいよ。
I heard that guy is a drug addict.
Loanword from English 'junkie'. Used informally, often for heroin addicts but can be general.
彼は完全にジャンキーだ。
He's a total junkie.
To specify addiction to a particular drug.
Attach 依存 to the drug name to form 'addiction to X'. Common for alcohol, nicotine, etc.
Similar to 依存 but emphasizes poisoning or acute effects. Often used for substances like alcohol or drugs.
覚醒剤中毒
stimulant addiction
To refer to a person who is addicted to drugs.
Medical term for a patient with addiction. Neutral and formal.
依存症患者のための施設
a facility for drug addicts
General term for an addict, often used in news. Can be combined with drug name.
麻薬中毒者
drug addict (narcotics)
依存 (izon) focuses on psychological and physical dependence, while 中毒 (chūdoku) emphasizes the toxic or poisoning aspect. In medical contexts, 依存 is preferred for addiction as a disease. 中毒 is often used for acute poisoning or in legal contexts.
薬物依存は病気です。
Drug addiction is a disease.
薬物中毒で死亡した。
Died from drug poisoning.
Direct translations like 'ドラッグ中毒' are understood but sound unnatural. Use established terms like 薬物依存 or 麻薬中毒 instead.
薬物依存
drug addiction (natural)
彼は薬物依存に苦しんでいる。
He struggles with drug addiction.
薬物依存は深刻な問題です。
Drug addiction is a serious problem.