Translation guide
A learning disability is a neurological condition that affects how a person learns, processes, or communicates information. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 学習障害 (gakushū shōgai), but related terms like 学習困難 (gakushū konnan) and LD (erudī) are also used. This guide covers how to talk about learning disabilities in various contexts, from medical to everyday conversation.
To refer to a learning disability in a neutral, clinical, or educational context.
The standard medical and educational term for learning disability. It is widely understood and used in formal settings.
He was diagnosed with a learning disability.
Support for children with learning disabilities is necessary.
An abbreviation for 'learning disability' used in educational and medical contexts. Common in written materials and among professionals.
Students with LD need special accommodations.
Literally 'learning difficulty.' Sometimes used interchangeably with 学習障害, but can imply a milder or broader range of learning challenges, not necessarily a diagnosed disability.
The number of children with learning difficulties is increasing.
To refer to specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia.
Dyslexia. A specific learning disability that affects reading.
People with dyslexia have difficulty reading characters.
Dysgraphia. A specific learning disability that affects writing.
The English loanword for dyslexia. Used in some contexts, especially when discussing international research or in bilingual environments.
To talk about learning disabilities in a casual or personal way without using clinical terms.
Literally 'not good at studying.' A common, non-clinical way to describe learning difficulties. It can refer to a lack of interest or a genuine challenge.
I'm not good at studying, especially math is difficult.
Literally 'not good at memorizing.' Used when someone has difficulty remembering information, which can be related to learning disabilities.
I'm not good at memorizing kanji.
Literally 'slow at reading.' A simple way to describe a reading difficulty without labeling it as a disability.
To discuss support, accommodations, or special education for learning disabilities.
Special needs education. The formal term for educational support for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities.
To receive special needs education, a diagnosis is required.
Reasonable accommodation. A legal and educational term for adjustments made to support people with disabilities.
Resource room or special class for students with mild disabilities, including learning disabilities, where they receive additional instruction.
In casual conversation, directly saying 学習障害 may sound too clinical or stigmatizing. Instead, describe the specific difficulty (e.g., 読むのが苦手) or use softer expressions like 勉強が苦手 unless the context requires a formal term.
学習障害 (gakushū shōgai) is a formal diagnosis, while 学習困難 (gakushū konnan) is a broader term that can include temporary or environmental learning difficulties. Use 学習障害 when referring to a diagnosed condition, and 学習困難 when the cause is unclear or less severe.
If you have dysgraphia, you are not good at writing characters.
Dyscalculia. A specific learning disability that affects mathematical abilities.
Students with dyscalculia often struggle with calculations.
Research on dyslexia is advancing.
Because I'm slow at reading, I run out of time on tests.
Reasonable accommodations such as extended exam time are provided for students with learning disabilities.
He studies in the resource room twice a week.