Translation guide
The term 'harelip' is an outdated and often offensive English word for a cleft lip. In Japanese, the medical and neutral term is 口唇裂 (こうしんれつ). This guide focuses on how to refer to the condition naturally and sensitively in Japanese.
Referring to the congenital condition where the upper lip is split, in a medical or formal context.
The standard medical term for cleft lip. It is neutral and appropriate in all formal and medical settings.
口唇裂は手術で治療できます。
A cleft lip can be treated with surgery.
彼は口唇裂を持って生まれました。
He was born with a cleft lip.
A shorter form of 口唇裂, also used in medical contexts. Slightly less common but still acceptable.
唇裂の手術は生後3ヶ月頃に行われます。
Surgery for cleft lip is performed around 3 months after birth.
This means 'cleft palate', a related but distinct condition. It is often mentioned together with cleft lip as 口唇口蓋裂 (こうしんこうがいれつ).
口唇口蓋裂の治療にはチーム医療が必要です。
Treatment for cleft lip and palate requires a multidisciplinary team.
Describing the appearance or condition in everyday conversation without using medical terms.
A neutral descriptive phrase meaning 'the lip is split'. It can be used when the medical term is not known or in casual contexts.
その赤ちゃんは生まれつき唇が裂けていました。
That baby was born with a split lip.
Specifies that the condition is congenital. This is a sensitive and clear way to describe it.
彼女は生まれつき唇が裂けているけど、元気に育っています。
She was born with a cleft lip, but she is growing up healthy.
Historical or discriminatory terms that should not be used.
Literally 'rabbit lip', this is the direct translation of 'harelip'. It is now considered a discriminatory term and should be avoided. Included here only for recognition.
This term is offensive and should never be used to refer to a person. Use 口唇裂 instead.
兎唇という言葉は現在では差別用語とされています。
The word 'toshin' (harelip) is now considered a discriminatory term.
An archaic and highly offensive term for cleft lip, literally 'three mouths'. It is never used in modern Japanese except in historical contexts.
Extremely offensive. Do not use.
The English word 'harelip' is considered offensive by many. There is no direct equivalent in Japanese that carries the same outdated and potentially insulting nuance. The Japanese term 兎唇 (としん/いぐち) exists but is now considered discriminatory and should be avoided. Always use 口唇裂 (こうしんれつ) in medical or formal contexts, or descriptive phrases in casual conversation.
兎唇という言葉は差別的なので使わないでください。
Please do not use the word 'toshin' (harelip) because it is discriminatory.
If you need to describe the condition without using medical terminology, you can say 生まれつき唇が裂けている (うまれつきくちびるがさけている) meaning 'born with a split lip'. This is a sensitive and neutral way to explain it.
三つ口という言葉は非常に差別的です。
The word 'mitsukuchi' is extremely discriminatory.