Translation guide
The English word 'exogenous' is a technical term meaning 'originating from outside'. In Japanese, it is primarily used in academic, scientific, or medical contexts. The most common equivalent is 外来性の (gairaisei no), but other expressions exist depending on the specific field. This guide covers the main ways to express this concept in Japanese.
To describe something that comes from an external source, especially in scientific or academic contexts.
The standard translation for 'exogenous' in most contexts. It directly means 'of external origin'. Used in biology, medicine, economics, etc.
外来性の要因が経済に影響を与えた。
Exogenous factors influenced the economy.
This plant grew from exogenous seeds.
Often used in medical contexts to mean 'exogenous' as opposed to 'endogenous' (内因性の). Emphasizes the cause coming from outside the body or system.
外因性の感染症が疑われる。
An exogenous infection is suspected.
A more general and slightly less technical phrase meaning 'from the outside'. Can be used in everyday language when explaining the concept.
外部からの刺激に反応する。
It responds to exogenous stimuli.
Means 'foreign' or 'external'. Less common for 'exogenous' but can appear in some contexts like 'exogenous DNA' (外来DNA).
外来DNAが細胞に導入された。
Exogenous DNA was introduced into the cell.
Referring to variables or shocks that originate outside an economic model.
The standard term in economics for 'exogenous'. Used to describe variables determined outside the model.
このモデルでは技術進歩は外生的な変数だ。
In this model, technological progress is an exogenous variable.
A shorter form of 外生的な, also common in economics literature.
外生ショックが市場を混乱させた。
An exogenous shock disrupted the market.
Describing substances, DNA, or infections originating outside an organism.
As above, the general term. In biology, it's used for exogenous compounds, DNA, etc.
外来性の化学物質が細胞に取り込まれた。
Exogenous chemicals were taken up by the cell.
Specifically for exogenous causes of disease or conditions.
外因性のアレルゲンが喘息を引き起こす。
Exogenous allergens trigger asthma.
外来性の is the most general and can be used across fields. 外因性の is specifically for causes (often medical). 外生的な is almost exclusively used in economics for model variables. Choose based on context.
In everyday conversation, 'exogenous' is rarely used. If you need to express the idea of something coming from outside, use simpler phrases like 外部からの (from the outside) or 外から来た (came from outside). Using 外来性の in casual speech may sound overly technical or unnatural.