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.
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.
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.
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'.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system.
Another common phrase meaning 'to build up immune strength'. Slightly more casual than 高める.
Let's exercise to build up our immune system.
Means 'strengthen the immune system'. More formal, often used in writing.
Describing a state where the immune system is not functioning well.
Referring to the body's specific reaction to foreign substances.
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.
A healthy diet supports your immune system.
Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system.
This supplement has the effect of strengthening the immune system.
He has a weak immune system, so he often catches colds.
Medical term for 'immunodeficiency'. Used for serious conditions like AIDS.
HIV causes immunodeficiency.