Translation guide
Hemiplegia is total paralysis of one side of the body. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the medical term 片麻痺 (かたまひ). For everyday conversation, descriptive phrases are often used.
Referring to the medical condition of complete paralysis on the left or right side of the body, typically caused by stroke or brain injury.
Standard medical term for hemiplegia. Used by doctors and in formal contexts. Can be understood by general public.
彼は脳卒中の後、右片麻痺になった。
He developed right hemiplegia after a stroke.
片麻痺のリハビリテーションは長期にわたる。
Rehabilitation for hemiplegia takes a long time.
Descriptive phrase: 'paralysis of the left side of the body'. Use 右 (みぎ) for right side. Useful when specifying the affected side in conversation.
祖母は左半身の麻痺があります。
My grandmother has paralysis on her left side.
Less common variant combining 半身 (half body) and 麻痺 (paralysis). Sometimes used in medical or caregiving contexts.
半身麻痺の患者のケアは大変だ。
Caring for patients with hemiplegia is challenging.
片麻痺 is the precise medical term for complete paralysis of one side. 半身不随 is more common in everyday speech and media, but can refer to any degree of paralysis on one side, not necessarily complete. In casual conversation, 半身不随 is widely understood and used.
医者は「片麻痺」と言ったが、家族には「半身不随」と説明した。
The doctor said 'hemiplegia,' but explained it to the family as 'paralysis on one side.'
To specify left or right, use 左片麻痺 (ひだりかたまひ) or 右片麻痺 (みぎかたまひ) in medical contexts. In everyday language, 左半身の麻痺 or 右半身の麻痺 is clearer.
Literally 'half-body paralysis'. Commonly used in everyday language and news, but can be slightly broader than hemiplegia (may include partial paralysis). Often used interchangeably with 片麻痺 in non-medical contexts.
事故で半身不随になってしまった。
He became paralyzed on one side due to an accident.