Translation guide
This entry covers how to refer to a person with an intellectual disability in Japanese. Terminology is sensitive and varies by context, formality, and intent. Direct translations can be offensive; the guide prioritizes respectful, natural expressions.
知的障害のある方
person with an intellectual disability (respectful, general)
Polite and person-first. Suitable for most formal and respectful contexts.
知的障害者
person with an intellectual disability (neutral, clinical)
Neutral term used in legal, medical, and administrative contexts. Can sound impersonal in casual conversation.
To refer to a person with an intellectual disability in a polite, respectful manner, emphasizing the person before the disability.
Uses 'kata' (polite form of 'person') and the structure 'disability ga aru' (has a disability). This is the safest choice in formal settings, public discourse, or when showing respect.
知的障害のある方への支援を強化しています。
We are strengthening support for people with intellectual disabilities.
Similar to the above but uses 'hito' (person), which is slightly less formal but still respectful. Common in everyday polite speech.
知的障害のある人も働ける職場が増えています。
Workplaces where people with intellectual disabilities can work are increasing.
To refer to a person with an intellectual disability in a factual, categorical way, often used in legal, medical, or statistical contexts.
Standard compound noun meaning 'person with intellectual disability'. Widely used in official documents, laws, and medical records. Can feel cold or labeling in personal interactions.
Avoid using this term directly to address or refer to an individual in casual conversation; it may sound impersonal or stigmatizing.
この法律は知的障害者の権利を守るためのものです。
This law is for protecting the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities.
To refer to intellectual disability indirectly, often to avoid direct labeling or to emphasize developmental aspects. Common in educational or caregiving settings.
A slightly softer phrasing by using the adverbial form 'chiteki ni'. Still polite and respectful.
知的に障害のある方とご家族をサポートしています。
We support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Literally 'a person with a delay in intellectual development'. Used sometimes in educational contexts, but can be perceived as patronizing or outdated. Use with caution.
May be considered euphemistic and not always preferred by the disability community. 'Chiteki shougai' is more direct and accepted.
知的発達に遅れのある子どもたちへの教育方法を研究しています。
We are researching educational methods for children with intellectual developmental delays.
To recognize terms that were historically used but are now considered derogatory or inappropriate. Included for comprehension only; do not use.
Literally 'wisdom delay'. An outdated, derogatory term for intellectual disability. Strongly offensive; never use.
This term is highly offensive and should never be used to refer to a person. It may appear in old literature or insensitive speech.
彼を知恵遅れと呼ぶのは差別です。
Calling him 'chieokure' is discrimination.
Archaic clinical term for severe intellectual disability, now a slur. Extremely offensive.
Never use. Recognized only for understanding historical or extremely offensive contexts.
English terms like 'mentally retarded' or 'handicapped' have direct Japanese equivalents (e.g., 精神薄弱, 知的障害) but many are outdated or offensive. Stick to 知的障害 (intellectual disability) as the accepted modern term.
彼は知的障害があります。
He has an intellectual disability.
In Japanese, both person-first (障害のある人) and identity-first (障害者) are used. Person-first is generally more polite in formal speech, while identity-first is common in legal/medical contexts. When in doubt, use person-first with 方 (kata) for respect.
知的障害 (intellectual disability) specifically refers to limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. 発達障害 (developmental disability) is a broader category including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Do not confuse them.
発達障害には自閉症やADHDが含まれます。
Developmental disabilities include autism and ADHD.
彼女は知的障害のある方のための施設で働いています。
She works at a center for people with intellectual disabilities.
私の兄は知的障害があります。
My brother has an intellectual disability.
白痴という言葉は現在では使われません。
The word 'hakuchi' is no longer used today.