Translation guide
The English verb "isolate" covers several distinct meanings: physically separating something, quarantining due to illness, identifying a substance or factor, and socially cutting someone off. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each.
To keep something or someone apart from others, often for a purpose.
The most direct equivalent for physical isolation, often used in medical, technical, or formal contexts.
The infected patients were isolated.
Emphasizes separating components or parts from a whole, often in scientific or mechanical contexts.
The scientist isolated the compound.
Literally 'cut off and separate', used for physically detaching something or isolating a part from a larger whole.
Think about the problem in isolation.
A casual way to say 'keep separate' or 'set apart', but less precise than 隔離する.
Please separate the laundry into colors and whites.
To keep a person or animal away from others to prevent disease spread.
The standard term for medical isolation or quarantine.
He is isolating at home because he caught COVID.
Commonly used during the pandemic for 'staying at home' as a precaution, not necessarily strict isolation.
Literally 'refrain from going out', a softer expression for voluntary isolation.
To find and separate a specific element, such as in science or analysis.
Means 'to identify' or 'pinpoint', often used when isolating a cause or factor.
The researchers isolated the cause of the problem.
Used in chemistry or biology for physically extracting a pure substance.
They succeeded in isolating the protein.
Specifically means 'extract', often used for isolating compounds or data.
Isolate DNA from cells.
To exclude someone from a group or make them feel alone.
The most common term for social isolation, implying making someone feel alone or excluded.
He is being isolated in class.
A colloquial phrase meaning to leave someone out or ostracize them.
Don't isolate her.
Specifically means to exclude from a group of friends or peers.
A formal term for alienation or social exclusion, often used in sociological contexts.
The policy isolates the elderly.
To withdraw from social contact by choice.
Describes shutting oneself away at home, often for extended periods. Strongly associated with social withdrawal.
He is isolating himself in his room.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become isolated', often used for feeling alone rather than physical seclusion.
He is isolated from society.
Literally 'cut off contact with people', a deliberate act of isolation.
隔離する is for physical or medical isolation, often imposed by an authority. 孤立させる is for social or emotional isolation, making someone feel alone. Do not use 隔離する for social ostracism.
isolate a patient (correct) / isolate a patient (incorrect, implies social exclusion)
English 'isolate' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'isolate a problem'). Direct translation with 隔離する would sound unnatural. Use 特定する or 切り離す instead.
isolate the problem (incorrect literal translation) → identify the problem (correct)
Close contacts were asked to self-isolate at home.
I'm isolating myself because I have symptoms.
He is sad because he's being isolated by his friends.
He isolated himself from people and retreated to the mountains.