Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to an injured person depends on context: whether they are a patient, a casualty, or someone you are helping. The most common and neutral term is けが人 (keganin). In medical or emergency contexts, 負傷者 (fushōsha) is used. For victims of accidents or disasters, 被災者 (hisaisha) or 被害者 (higaisha) may apply. When speaking directly to or about someone with a visible injury, it's often more natural to describe the injury rather than label the person.
A person who has sustained an injury, in everyday or neutral contexts.
The most common and neutral word for an injured person. Used in news, conversation, and general situations.
事故でけが人が出ました。
There were injured people in the accident.
けが人を助けました。
I helped an injured person.
A more formal term, often used in news reports, official statements, or medical contexts. Implies someone who has suffered an injury.
負傷者は病院に運ばれました。
The injured were taken to the hospital.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who got injured'. More conversational and flexible than a single noun.
けがをした人はいますか？
Is anyone injured?
A person injured as a result of an accident, disaster, or crime, often in a broader sense of being affected.
Means 'victim' and can include injured persons, especially in crimes or accidents. Not limited to physical injury.
地震の被害者が多数出ています。
There are many victims of the earthquake.
Specifically a person affected by a disaster (natural or man-made). Often includes injured, displaced, or suffering people.
Means 'casualties' (dead and injured). Used in news to report total numbers. Not for referring to a single injured person.
Referring to an injured person in the context of first aid, triage, or hospital care.
A formal term used by emergency services and medical professionals meaning 'sick and injured persons'. Often used in triage.
傷病者の搬送を優先してください。
Prioritize transport of the injured and sick.
Specifically a person who suddenly fell ill, but sometimes used alongside injured persons in emergency contexts.
How to naturally talk to or about a person you see is injured, without using a label.
In Japanese, it's often more natural and polite to refer to the injury rather than calling someone 'injured person'. For example, say 'your leg is hurt' rather than 'you are an injured person'.
足、けがしてますよ。大丈夫ですか？
Your leg is injured. Are you okay?
あの人は腕から血が出ています。
That person is bleeding from the arm.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who is injured'. More natural than a single noun when pointing someone out.
けがをしている人を助けてあげてください。
Please help the person who is injured.
Calling someone けが人 to their face can sound impersonal or clinical. It's better to ask about their injury directly, e.g., 「どこをけがしましたか？」 (Where are you hurt?).
けが人 is the everyday word for an injured person. 負傷者 is formal and used in reports. 被害者 means 'victim' and can include those with non-physical harm. Use けが人 unless the context requires formality or a broader sense of victimhood.
Rescue of the disaster victims is urgent.
The number of casualties exceeded 100.
If there is a sudden illness or injury, please call 119.