Translation guide
A harmful traditional practice involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia. In Japanese, the term is most commonly expressed as 女性器切除 (joseiki setsujo) or the borrowed term FGM (エフジーエム).
Referring to the practice of female genital mutilation as a concept or issue.
The most direct and commonly used Japanese term, literally 'female genital cutting/removal'. Used in medical, legal, and advocacy contexts.
女性器切除は人権侵害です。
Female genital mutilation is a human rights violation.
The English abbreviation 'FGM' is widely recognized in Japanese, especially in international development and NGO contexts. Often read as エフジーエム.
FGMの廃絶を目指しています。
We aim to eliminate FGM.
Literally 'female circumcision'. This term is sometimes used but can be misleading as it equates the practice with male circumcision, which is not accurate. Less preferred in advocacy contexts.
This term may downplay the severity of the practice. Use with caution.
一部の地域では女子割礼が行われています。
In some regions, female circumcision is practiced.
Describing the action of cutting or mutilating female genitals.
Verb phrase meaning 'to excise/cut off female genitals'. This is the most direct way to describe the act.
彼女は幼い頃に女性器を切除された。
She had her genitals mutilated when she was young.
Using the abbreviation FGM with the verb 施す (ほどこす, to perform/administer). Common in reports.
伝統的にFGMを施す地域があります。
There are regions where FGM is traditionally performed.
Referring to someone who has been subjected to the practice.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who has undergone female genital cutting'. Neutral and respectful.
女性器切除を受けた人々への支援が必要です。
Support is needed for people who have undergone FGM.
Literally 'FGM victim'. Used in advocacy and legal contexts, but may not be preferred by all survivors.
Some individuals may not identify with the term 'victim'. Use with sensitivity.
FGM被害者の声を聞くことが大切です。
It is important to listen to the voices of FGM victims.
In Japanese, the English abbreviation FGM is very common in written materials, especially those targeting an international audience or in NGO contexts. However, in spoken Japanese or when explaining the concept to a general audience, 女性器切除 (joseiki setsujo) is clearer. You can also use both together for clarity: FGM（女性器切除）.
Terms like 女子割礼 (female circumcision) are sometimes used but are discouraged by activists and health organizations because they trivialize the harm. Stick to 女性器切除 or FGM.