Translation guide
A viral illness causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, often called 'mono' or 'glandular fever'. In Japanese, it is primarily referred to by its medical name or a descriptive phrase.
Referring to the illness in a formal or clinical context
Standard medical term for infectious mononucleosis.
伝染性単核球症と診断されました。
I was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.
A slightly abbreviated medical term, also used in clinical settings.
伝染性単核症はEBウイルスが原因です。
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Talking about the illness in casual conversation
Common colloquial term, literally 'kissing disease', as it can be spread through saliva.
キス病にかかっちゃったみたい。
I think I caught the kissing disease.
Combining the formal term with the colloquial name for clarity.
伝染性単核球症、いわゆるキス病ですね。
Infectious mononucleosis, the so-called kissing disease.
Explaining the illness without using a specific name
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a viral illness transmitted through saliva'.
唾液で感染するウイルス性の病気で、熱や喉の痛みが出ます。
It's a viral illness spread through saliva, causing fever and sore throat.
「キス病」 is widely understood among younger people but may not be recognized by older generations. In a medical setting, stick to the formal term.
The English abbreviation 'mono' does not have a direct Japanese equivalent. Using 「モノ」 would not be understood. Use 「キス病」 or the full medical term instead.