Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a deity that spreads infectious diseases is most commonly associated with 疫病神 (yakubyōgami), a folkloric god of pestilence. This entry covers how to express this idea in natural Japanese, including related terms for disease-causing spirits and modern metaphorical usage.
Referring to a deity or spirit in Japanese folklore believed to cause epidemics or infectious diseases.
The standard term for a god or spirit that brings pestilence. Often used metaphorically for a person who brings bad luck or trouble.
疫病神が村に災いをもたらした。
The god of pestilence brought calamity to the village.
彼は疫病神のように扱われている。
He is treated like a jinx.
A more formal or literary term for a pestilence deity, often used in historical or religious contexts.
疫神を鎮めるための祭りが行われた。
A festival was held to appease the pestilence god.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'god of pestilence', less idiomatic than 疫病神 but easily understood.
疫病の神が流行をもたらすと信じられていた。
It was believed that the god of pestilence caused epidemics.
Referring to a malevolent spirit or demon that causes illness, not necessarily a 'god' in the Shinto sense.
Literally 'disease demon', a common term for a spirit or force that causes illness. Used both literally and figuratively.
病魔に取り憑かれたようだ。
It's as if he's possessed by a disease demon.
病魔と闘う日々が続いている。
I continue to fight against the disease every day.
A rare term for a demon that spreads epidemics, found in classical literature.
疫鬼が都に現れたという記録がある。
There is a record that a plague demon appeared in the capital.
Using the concept of a disease-spreading god to describe a person who is a jinx or brings misfortune.
By far the most common metaphorical use. Calling someone 疫病神 means they are a jinx or a bringer of bad luck.
あいつが来るとろくなことがない。本当に疫病神だ。
Nothing good happens when that guy shows up. He's a real jinx.
The act of treating someone like a jinx or pariah.
彼は失敗続きで、会社で疫病神扱いされている。
After a string of failures, he's treated like a jinx at work.
疫病神 is a folkloric god or a metaphorical jinx, while 病魔 is a more abstract demon of illness. 疫病神 can be used for a person, but 病魔 is not used for people.
A direct translation like 感染症を広める神 is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and overly explanatory. Use 疫病神 or 疫神 instead.