Translation guide
Describes a disease, condition, or trait that cannot be cured or fixed. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 不治 (fuchi), but it is mainly used in medical or literary contexts. For everyday speech, phrases like 治らない (naoranai) are more natural.
Describing a disease or condition that cannot be cured
The direct equivalent, but it is formal and often used in medical or literary contexts. Not common in casual conversation.
Describing a person's unchangeable trait, often negative
Used for habits or personality traits that cannot be fixed. Literally 'does not get fixed/corrected'.
While 不治 (fuchi) is the dictionary translation, it sounds stiff and medical. In everyday conversation, use 治らない (naoranai) for diseases and 直らない (naoranai) for habits or personality traits.
彼は不治の病にかかっている。
He has an incurable disease.
The most natural way to say 'incurable' in everyday Japanese. Literally means 'does not heal' or 'cannot be cured'.
This disease is incurable.
Means 'there is no cure/treatment'. Used when emphasizing the lack of a medical solution.
There is still no cure for that cancer.
Means 'intractable' or 'difficult to cure'. Used in medical contexts for conditions that resist treatment.
intractable disease
His laziness is incurable.
Means 'hopeless' or 'there's nothing to be done'. Conveys that the person is beyond help.
He's an incurable romantic.
Literally 'beyond saving'. Stronger and more dramatic than どうしようもない.
He's an incurable liar.