Translation guide
The concept of malignancy in English covers both medical and figurative meanings. In Japanese, different words are used for cancerous tumors, the quality of being harmful, and intense ill will.
To refer to a malignant tumor or the condition of being cancerous.
Standard medical term for a malignant tumor. Used in formal and clinical contexts.
The test results showed a malignancy.
Means 'malignant' and can be used in compounds like 悪性リンパ腫 (malignant lymphoma). Often used as a prefix.
This tumor is malignant.
General word for cancer. While not a direct translation of 'malignancy', it is often used in the same contexts. Note: 癌 can refer to cancer in general, not just malignant tumors.
He was diagnosed with cancer.
To describe something that is very harmful, destructive, or evil in a non-medical sense.
Means 'harmfulness' or 'toxicity'. Used for things that cause damage or have a negative influence.
The malignancy of that policy became clear.
Refers to the malicious or vicious nature of something. Often used for actions or intentions.
I was shocked by the malignancy of his words.
Literally 'toxicity', but can be used metaphorically for a malignant influence.
To express deep-seated hatred or malevolence.
General word for malice or ill will. Can be used in legal and everyday contexts.
There was a sense of malignancy in his actions.
Means 'hostility' or 'enmity'. Stronger than 悪意, implying active opposition.
Refers to wickedness or evil nature. More literary or dramatic.
The malignancy of that person is immeasurable.
Do not use 悪性腫瘍 or 悪性 for non-medical 'malignancy'. It will sound unnatural. Use 有害性 or 悪意 depending on the nuance.
The malignancy of that rumor cannot be ignored.
悪性 is primarily medical ('malignant'), while 悪意 is about intention ('malice'). Do not confuse them.
そのイデオロギーの毒性は社会を蝕んだ。
The malignancy of that ideology eroded society.
There was clear malignancy in her eyes.