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 standard, neutral term for intellectual disability. Used in medical, educational, and legal contexts.
彼は知的障害があります。
He has an intellectual disability.
知的障害のある子どもへの支援が必要です。
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This term is outdated and can be offensive.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.
精神遅滞という用語は現在ではあまり使われません。
The term 'mental retardation' is not used much nowadays.
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.
Broad term covering psychiatric disorders. Often used in legal and medical contexts, but can be perceived as clinical.
精神障害を持つ人々への偏見をなくすことが大切です。
It is important to eliminate prejudice against people with psychiatric disabilities.
精神障害者手帳を取得しました。
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.
心の病で休職しています。
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.
メンタルヘルスの問題を抱える社員が増えています。
The number of employees with mental health issues is increasing.
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.
Umbrella term for developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Not limited to intellectual disability.
発達障害は生まれつきの脳の機能障害です。
Developmental disabilities are congenital brain dysfunctions.
発達障害のある大人のための支援グループがあります。
There is a support group for adults with developmental disabilities.
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.
Refers to cognitive impairment, often used in medical contexts for conditions like dementia or traumatic brain injury.
高齢者の認知障害が進行しています。
The elderly person's cognitive disability is progressing.
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.
彼は知的障害があるが、精神障害はない。
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.
障害のある人もない人も共に生きる社会。
A society where people with and without disabilities live together.
精神障害を持つ人々への支援は改善しています。
Support for people with mental disabilities is improving.