Translation guide
This entry covers how to refer to a child with an intellectual disability in Japanese, with a focus on respectful, person-first language and common terms used in education, medicine, and daily life.
A neutral, respectful way to refer to a child with an intellectual disability, suitable for most contexts.
This is the standard, person-first phrase meaning 'a child with an intellectual disability'. It is widely used in educational and medical settings and is considered respectful.
知的障害のある子どもへの支援が重要です。
Support for children with intellectual disabilities is important.
A more compact term meaning 'child with an intellectual disability'. Common in professional literature, but some prefer the longer phrase to emphasize the child first.
知的障害児の教育について研究しています。
I research education for children with intellectual disabilities.
Terms used in clinical or diagnostic settings, often specifying the condition.
This phrase uses the newer diagnostic term '知的発達症' (intellectual developmental disorder) from DSM-5/ICD-11. It is becoming more common in medical contexts.
知的発達症のある子どもは早期療育が効果的です。
Early intervention is effective for children with intellectual developmental disorder.
An older clinical term meaning 'mentally retarded child'. Now considered outdated and potentially offensive; avoid in modern usage unless quoting historical documents.
This term is now considered derogatory. Use only when referring to historical contexts.
かつては精神遅滞児と呼ばれていました。
They used to be called mentally retarded children.
Terms used in the context of special education or school support.
Refers to a child in a special support class, which often includes children with intellectual disabilities. This is a common way to refer to such children in school contexts without directly labeling the disability.
特別支援学級の子どもたちと交流しました。
I interacted with children from the special support class.
A softer, more general phrase meaning 'a child who needs support'. It avoids specific labels and is often used in inclusive education settings.
支援が必要な子に合わせた教材を作ります。
We make teaching materials tailored to children who need support.
How to refer to a child with an intellectual disability in daily conversation with sensitivity.
In casual conversation, it's often best to describe the child's needs or characteristics rather than using a direct label. For example, '少しゆっくり成長している子' (a child who is developing a bit slowly).
うちの子は少しゆっくり成長しています。
Our child is developing a bit slowly.
Means 'a child with developmental delays'. This is a common euphemism that can include intellectual disabilities but is less direct.
発達に遅れのある子ども向けのプログラムです。
This is a program for children with developmental delays.
Terms like 精神薄弱児 (せいしんはくじゃくじ) or 知恵遅れ (ちえおくれ) are highly offensive and should never be used. Stick to person-first language such as 知的障害のある子ども.
In Japanese, as in English, person-first language (e.g., 障害のある子ども rather than 障害児) is increasingly preferred to emphasize the child before the disability.