Translation guide
The English word "illness" refers to a state of being unwell or a specific disease. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 病気 (byōki), but other terms like 疾患 (shikkan) for medical contexts and 風邪 (kaze) for a cold are also important. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context and formality.
To refer to being sick in a general sense, covering both the state and the disease itself.
The most common and versatile word for 'illness' or 'sickness'. Can refer to both the state of being ill and a specific disease. Used in everyday conversation.
He was absent from school due to illness.
A more literary or formal term for illness, often used in set phrases or when emphasizing the suffering aspect. Can sound dramatic in casual speech.
A formal, technical term for disease or illness, often used in medical or official contexts.
To refer to a specific disease or medical condition, especially in professional or clinical settings.
To refer specifically to a cold or common minor respiratory illness.
The word for 'cold' (the illness). Note that 風邪 (かぜ) is different from 風 (かぜ, wind). Used for common cold symptoms.
To refer to mental health conditions or psychological disorders.
To emphasize the severity or long-term nature of an illness.
Literally 'heavy illness', used to describe a serious or severe illness.
病気 (byōki) is the general, everyday word for illness. 疾患 (shikkan) is the clinical term used by medical professionals. 病 (yamai) is more literary and often implies suffering or a long-term condition. Use 病気 in most situations, 疾患 in medical contexts, and 病 in formal or poetic language.
When you are ill, please rest well.
Please take care not to get sick.
He passed away after a long illness.
この疾病は予防可能です。
This illness is preventable.
The standard medical term for 'disease' or 'disorder'. Used by doctors and in health-related contexts. More specific than 病気.
A cure for this illness has not yet been found.
Lifestyle-related diseases include many illnesses.
Can also be used in clinical contexts, but 疾患 is more precise. 病気 is acceptable in less formal medical discussions.
That illness is highly contagious.
風邪をひいてしまった。
I caught a cold.
Please buy some cold medicine.
The general term for mental illness. Can be used in both medical and everyday contexts, though it may carry some stigma.
He is hospitalized for a mental illness.
A softer, more euphemistic way to say 'mental illness', literally 'illness of the heart/mind'. Common in everyday conversation.
We should become more comfortable talking about mental illness.
He is battling a serious illness.
Medical term for 'chronic illness'. Used in healthcare settings.
Diabetes is one of the chronic illnesses.
この疾患は専門医の診断が必要です。
This illness requires a specialist's diagnosis.
風邪 (かぜ) means a cold (illness), while 風 (かぜ) means wind. They are pronounced the same but written differently. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful in writing.