Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to someone with an intellectual or developmental disability requires sensitivity. Direct translations can be offensive or outdated. The most appropriate terms depend on context, formality, and the specific condition. This guide covers respectful, neutral, and clinical terms, as well as common euphemisms and outdated words to avoid.
Referring to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability in a respectful, person-first manner.
Person-first phrasing meaning 'a person with an intellectual disability.' This is the most neutral and respectful way to refer to someone in general contexts.
彼は知的障害のある人です。
He is a person with an intellectual disability.
Person-first phrasing for 'a person with a developmental disability.' Covers conditions like autism, ADHD, etc. Use when the disability is developmental rather than purely intellectual.
発達障害のある人への支援が必要です。
Support for people with developmental disabilities is necessary.
General term for 'disabled person.' Can be used in formal or legal contexts, but some prefer person-first language. Often combined with specific disability type.
障害者雇用を促進する。
Promote employment of people with disabilities.
Using precise medical or psychological terminology, often in professional settings.
Clinical term for 'person with an intellectual disability.' Commonly used in medical, educational, and legal documents.
知的障害者のための施設
Facility for people with intellectual disabilities
Outdated clinical term equivalent to 'mentally retarded person.' Now considered offensive; avoid unless discussing historical context.
This term is now considered derogatory. Use only when referring to historical diagnoses.
以前は精神遅滞者と呼ばれていた。
They used to be called mentally retarded.
Softer, indirect ways to refer to someone with an intellectual disability in casual conversation, often focusing on the person's character rather than the disability.
A very gentle, roundabout way to say 'a person who needs a little support in intellectual areas.' Used to avoid labeling.
彼は少し知的な面でサポートが必要な人なんです。
He's someone who needs a little support in intellectual areas.
Literally 'a person with a mental illness.' Sometimes used euphemistically for intellectual disabilities, but it conflates mental illness with intellectual disability. Use with caution.
This phrase refers to mental illness, not intellectual disability. Using it may cause confusion or offense.
心の病気のある人を支援する団体
An organization that supports people with mental illness
Terms that were once common but are now considered derogatory. Included for recognition and avoidance.
Archaic term for 'idiot' or 'imbecile.' Highly offensive; never use.
Extremely derogatory. Do not use.
その言葉は白痴という差別用語です。
That word is a discriminatory term meaning idiot.
Highly offensive slang for 'crazy' or 'insane,' sometimes misapplied to intellectual disability. Never use.
Extremely derogatory. Do not use.
Direct translations like 精神的障害者 (seishinteki shōgaisha) are not commonly used and can sound unnatural or overly clinical. Stick to the recommended terms above.
精神的障害者
mentally disabled person (literal, not recommended)
In modern Japanese, person-first phrasing like 障害のある人 (shōgai no aru hito) is increasingly preferred over identity-first terms like 障害者 (shōgaisha), especially in advocacy and social welfare contexts.
きちがいという言葉は使ってはいけません。
You must not use the word 'kichigai.'