Translation guide
The English verb 'fester' describes a wound or negative feeling becoming worse over time due to neglect. In Japanese, different expressions are used for physical wounds versus emotional or social problems.
To describe a cut, sore, or injury that is not healing and is getting worse, often with pus or inflammation.
The standard medical/neutral term for a wound becoming infected and producing pus. Used for cuts, scrapes, surgical wounds, etc.
傷が化膿して痛みがひどくなった。
The wound festered and the pain got worse.
化膿した傷は医者に見せるべきだ。
A festering wound should be seen by a doctor.
To describe feelings like resentment, anger, or a social issue that is not addressed and becomes more severe.
Do not translate 'fester' directly as フェスターする; this is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate verb depending on whether you mean a physical wound or an emotional/social issue.
For physical wounds, 化膿する is the most precise. For emotional festering, くすぶる is the most common metaphor. Using 化膿する for emotions would sound odd and overly medical.
More colloquial and visceral; emphasizes the formation of pus. Often used in everyday speech.
その切り傷が膿んできた。
That cut has started to fester.
A general phrase meaning 'the wound gets worse'. Less specific than 化膿する, but can be used when the exact nature of worsening is unclear.
放置すると傷が悪化する恐れがあります。
If left untreated, the wound may fester.
Literally 'to smolder'. Metaphorically describes a negative emotion or conflict that persists and intensifies beneath the surface without resolution.
彼の心の中には恨みがくすぶっていた。
Resentment festered in his heart.
不満がくすぶって、ついに爆発した。
The discontent festered and finally exploded.
Means 'to intensify' or 'to grow stronger' for emotions like anxiety, distrust, or irritation. Often used when feelings build up over time.
不安がつのって夜も眠れなかった。
Anxiety festered and I couldn't sleep at night.
General term for 'worsen'. Can be applied to situations, relationships, or mental states. Less vivid than くすぶる but widely understood.
問題を放置したせいで状況が悪化した。
The situation festered because the problem was ignored.
Used for relationships or negotiations that become complicated and worsen due to mishandling. Implies a tangled, festering state.
話し合いがこじれて、関係が修復不可能になった。
The discussion festered and the relationship became irreparable.