Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of immunisation is most commonly expressed with the word 予防接種 (yobō sesshu), which literally means 'preventive inoculation'. This is the standard term for vaccination in medical and everyday contexts. Other related terms exist for specific contexts, such as legal immunisation or immunity in a broader sense.
The act of administering a vaccine to prevent disease, or the process of becoming immune through vaccination.
The standard and most common term for immunisation through vaccination. Used in medical, official, and everyday contexts.
子供に予防接種を受けさせる。
I have my child get immunised.
予防接種の予約を取った。
I made an appointment for a vaccination.
Literally 'vaccine inoculation'. Often used interchangeably with 予防接種, but slightly more technical or specific to the act of injecting a vaccine.
ワクチン接種が進んでいる。
Vaccination is progressing.
A formal, technical term meaning 'immunisation' in the sense of conferring immunity. Used in medical literature or official documents.
免疫付与の効果を評価する。
Evaluate the effectiveness of immunisation.
The condition of being immune to a disease, often as a result of vaccination or prior infection.
The general term for immunity. Can refer to immunity acquired through vaccination or natural infection.
ワクチンで免疫ができる。
Vaccination builds immunity.
免疫があるかどうか調べる。
Check whether one has immunity.
A common phrase meaning 'to have immunity'. Used in everyday conversation.
私ははしかの免疫を持っています。
I am immune to measles.
The concept of being exempt from a legal requirement or protected from prosecution, similar to 'immunity' in legal English.
Legal term meaning exemption from responsibility or liability. Used in contexts like 'immunity from prosecution'.
証言と引き換えに免責を与える。
Grant immunity in exchange for testimony.
General term for exemption from a duty or obligation. Can be used for 'immunisation' from a requirement, but not for medical immunity.
Specifically 'immunity from criminal prosecution'. A legal term.
刑事免責を認める。
Grant criminal immunity.
免疫 (men'eki) refers to the state of being immune, while 予防接種 (yobō sesshu) is the act of getting vaccinated. In English, 'immunisation' can mean both, but in Japanese they are distinct.
予防接種 is the broader, more common term for vaccination as a public health measure. ワクチン接種 is more direct ('vaccine inoculation') and often used in news or technical contexts. Both are widely understood.
Exempt from the obligation of vaccination.