Translation guide
The body's defense system against disease. In Japanese, the most common term is 免疫系 (men'ekikei), but 免疫 (men'eki) alone is often used in everyday contexts. This guide covers how to talk about the immune system in various situations.
Referring to the body's overall defense mechanism in medical or everyday contexts.
The standard medical and biological term for 'immune system'. Used in formal and technical contexts.
免疫系は体を病原体から守る。
The immune system protects the body from pathogens.
Often used alone to mean 'immune system' in everyday speech, though it can also mean 'immunity'. Context clarifies the meaning.
免疫が弱ると病気になりやすい。
When your immune system weakens, you're more likely to get sick.
A more technical term meaning 'immune mechanism' or 'immune system', used in scientific literature.
この研究は免疫機構の解明を目的としている。
This research aims to elucidate the immune mechanism.
Talking about improving immune function, often in health and wellness contexts.
The most common way to say 'boost the immune system'. 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku) means 'immune strength'.
ビタミンCは免疫力を高める。
Vitamin C boosts the immune system.
Another common phrase meaning 'to build up immune strength'. Slightly more casual than 高める.
運動して免疫力をつけよう。
Let's exercise to build up our immune system.
Means 'strengthen the immune system'. More formal, often used in writing.
このサプリメントは免疫を強化する効果がある。
This supplement has the effect of strengthening the immune system.
Describing a state where the immune system is not functioning well.
Standard phrase for 'immune system declines/weakens'. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
ストレスで免疫力が低下する。
Stress weakens the immune system.
Directly means 'immune strength is weak'. Common in casual conversation.
彼は免疫力が弱いから、よく風邪をひく。
He has a weak immune system, so he often catches colds.
Referring to the body's specific reaction to foreign substances.
Standard term for 'immune response'. Used in medical contexts.
ワクチンは免疫反応を誘導する。
Vaccines induce an immune response.
More technical synonym for immune response, often used in immunology.
免疫応答のメカニズムを研究している。
I'm researching the mechanism of immune response.
免疫 (men'eki) can mean both 'immunity' and 'immune system'. When you want to be clear about the system itself, use 免疫系 (men'ekikei). 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku) specifically refers to 'immune strength' and is used in phrases about boosting or weakening immunity.
健康的な食事は免疫系をサポートします。
A healthy diet supports your immune system.
睡眠不足は免疫力を低下させることがあります。
Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system.
Medical term for 'immunodeficiency'. Used for serious conditions like AIDS.
HIVは免疫不全を引き起こす。
HIV causes immunodeficiency.