Translation guide
A highly contagious viral eye infection. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to by its abbreviated form or the full medical term.
はやり目
pink eye (colloquial, but note: this can refer to any conjunctivitis)
Colloquial term, literally 'trendy eye', often used for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis specifically.
Referring to the specific viral eye infection epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
The formal medical term. Used in clinical settings, medical documents, and when precision is required.
流行性角結膜炎と診断されました。
I was diagnosed with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
Common colloquial term. Literally 'trendy eye' or 'fashionable eye', reflecting its contagious nature. Widely understood by the general public.
はやり目が学校で流行っている。
Pink eye is going around at school.
Abbreviation used among healthcare professionals. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.
EKCの患者が増えています。
The number of EKC patients is increasing.
The direct translation '流行性角結膜炎' is very formal and may sound overly technical in casual conversation. Use 'はやり目' in everyday contexts.
'はやり目' specifically refers to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (often adenoviral), while '結膜炎' (けつまくえん) is a general term for conjunctivitis. If you are unsure of the specific type, '結膜炎' is safer.