Translation guide
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease. In Japanese, the medical term is ハンセン病, while older terms like 癩病 are now considered discriminatory. This guide covers medical, historical, and figurative uses.
leprosy (historical/dated, potentially offensive)
Avoid using; considered discriminatory
Referring to the disease itself in a clinical or factual context.
The standard, non-discriminatory medical term for leprosy, named after the discoverer of the bacterium.
Leprosy is a treatable disease.
An older term, now often replaced by ハンセン病. Can be used in historical contexts but may carry stigma.
Use with care; ハンセン病 is preferred in modern, respectful discourse.
A single-character term for leprosy, now largely obsolete and considered discriminatory. Found in historical texts.
Avoid in modern speech; highly stigmatized.
Referring to a person who has or had leprosy.
Discussing leprosy in historical, legal, or social discrimination contexts.
Using 'leprosy' metaphorically to describe someone treated as an outcast or something shunned.
Japanese does not typically use leprosy as a metaphor. Instead, use terms for ostracism.
He is treated like a leper in class. (lit. He is made an outcast in class.)
Being ostracized is painful.
Describes treating someone as untouchable, similar to the figurative 'leper'.
The term 癩病 (らいびょう) and its derivatives are now widely considered discriminatory. Always use ハンセン病 in medical and respectful contexts. The shift in terminology reflects awareness of human rights.
Apology to former leprosy patients
English often uses 'leper' figuratively to mean an outcast. Japanese does not use leprosy metaphors in the same way. Instead, use words like のけ者 (outcast) or phrases describing avoidance.
かつてはらい病と呼ばれていました。
It was once called leprosy.
There is a description of 'leprosy' in the ancient document.
The isolation policy for leprosy patients was abolished.
The Leprosy Prevention Law was abolished in 1996.
She avoided me as if I were a leper.