Translation guide
The state of being a mother, or the period during and shortly after pregnancy. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and compounds rather than a single direct equivalent.
Referring to motherhood as a general concept, identity, or life stage.
Refers to the innate qualities or instinct of motherhood, often used in psychological or biological contexts.
母性は女性の本能だと言われる。
Maternity is said to be a woman's instinct.
A more literal and conversational way to express the state of being a mother.
母親であることは大変だが、やりがいもある。
Being a mother is tough, but it's also rewarding.
Referring to the time when a woman is pregnant or has just given birth, often in medical or administrative contexts.
Refers to childbirth itself, but can be used in compounds to indicate the maternity period.
出産休暇を取得する。
Take maternity leave.
Abbreviation for 産前産後休暇 (maternity leave). Commonly used in workplace contexts.
Loanword from English, used in compounds like マタニティドレス (maternity dress) or マタニティマーク (maternity badge).
Referring to maternity wear or products designed for expectant mothers.
Standard term for maternity clothing.
マタニティウェアを買いに行く。
Go shopping for maternity wear.
More formal or medical term for maternity clothes, literally 'pregnant woman clothes'.
病院で妊婦服に着替える。
Change into a maternity gown at the hospital.
Referring to a medical facility specializing in childbirth.
A clinic or small hospital specializing in obstetrics. Commonly used for private maternity clinics.
近所の産院で出産する予定です。
I plan to give birth at the local maternity clinic.
The English word 'maternity' is often used as an adjective (e.g., maternity leave, maternity dress). In Japanese, different nouns and compounds are used depending on the context. There is no single word that covers all uses.
彼女は来月から産休に入る。
She's going on maternity leave next month.
マタニティマークをバッグにつける。
Attach a maternity badge to your bag.
Obstetrics and gynecology department; often used to refer to the maternity ward in a general hospital.
産婦人科の予約を取る。
Make an appointment at the maternity ward.