Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'mental disability' is expressed through terms that vary in formality, medical context, and sensitivity. The most common and neutral term is 知的障害 (intellectual disability), but other terms exist for specific contexts. Note that direct translations of 'mental' can be misleading, as Japanese often distinguishes between intellectual, psychiatric, and developmental conditions.
The learner wants to refer to a condition involving limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, often congenital or developmental.
He has a mental disability. · Children with mental disabilities need special education.
The learner wants to refer to a disability arising from a mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder.
She has a mental disability due to schizophrenia. · Mental disabilities are often misunderstood.
The learner wants to refer to a disability that appears during development, which may include intellectual disability, autism, ADHD, etc.
Many people with mental disabilities also have developmental disabilities. · Developmental disabilities are often diagnosed in childhood.
The learner wants to emphasize impairment in cognitive processes like memory, attention, or problem-solving, often due to brain injury or dementia.
After the accident, he suffered from a cognitive disability. · Cognitive disabilities can affect daily living.
These terms are often confused. 知的障害 (intellectual disability) refers to limitations in intellectual functioning. 精神障害 (psychiatric disability) refers to mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia. 発達障害 (developmental disability) is a broader category that includes autism and ADHD, and may or may not involve intellectual disability. Use the term that best matches the specific condition.
Support for children with intellectual disabilities is necessary.
An older clinical term for mental retardation, now largely replaced by 知的障害 due to its stigmatizing connotations. Avoid in modern usage.
This term is outdated and can be offensive. Use 知的障害 instead.
The term 'mental retardation' is not used much nowadays.
Broad term covering psychiatric disorders. Often used in legal and medical contexts, but can be perceived as clinical.
It is important to eliminate prejudice against people with psychiatric disabilities.
I obtained a disability certificate for psychiatric disability.
A softer, more colloquial way to refer to mental illness. Often used in everyday conversation to reduce stigma.
I'm on leave due to a mental health condition.
A modern, less clinical phrase meaning 'mental health issue'. Common in workplace and media contexts.
The number of employees with mental health issues is increasing.
Umbrella term for developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Not limited to intellectual disability.
Developmental disabilities are congenital brain dysfunctions.
There is a support group for adults with developmental disabilities.
Refers to cognitive impairment, often used in medical contexts for conditions like dementia or traumatic brain injury.
The elderly person's cognitive disability is progressing.
He has an intellectual disability but no psychiatric disability.
The English word 'mental' can be translated as 精神 (psychiatric) or 知的 (intellectual) depending on context. Using 精神的障害 may sound unnatural or ambiguous. Always choose the specific term that matches the intended meaning.
In Japanese, it is common and respectful to use phrases like 障害のある人 (a person with a disability) rather than 障害者 (disabled person), though both are used. The former is preferred in advocacy contexts.
A society where people with and without disabilities live together.
Mental disability is not a rare condition.
Using 精神障害 for psychiatric disability.
Support for people with mental disabilities is improving.