Translation guide
The English word 'nursing' covers several distinct concepts: the profession of nursing, the act of breastfeeding, and the act of caring for someone. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to nursing as a career or field of healthcare.
The standard term for nursing as a profession or practice. Used in formal and medical contexts.
She works in nursing.
I'm studying to become a nurse.
Specifically refers to nursing science or the academic study of nursing.
I'm majoring in nursing at university.
Refers to nursing care, especially for the elderly or disabled. Often used in the context of long-term care.
Not a direct synonym for 'nursing' as a profession; it emphasizes caregiving rather than medical treatment.
Nursing care work is tough but rewarding.
Referring to feeding a baby with breast milk.
The standard term for breastfeeding. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
A balanced diet is important while nursing.
I'm nursing the baby.
A casual, everyday expression for breastfeeding, literally 'give breast'. Common in spoken language.
I'll go nurse for a bit.
Refers to breast milk itself, not the act. Can be used in phrases like '母乳で育てる' (raise on breast milk).
Referring to the act of looking after a sick or injured person.
Specifically means nursing a sick person, often at home. Implies attentive care.
My mother caught a cold, so I'm nursing her.
Means nursing or tending to someone who is sick or injured, often with a nuance of temporary care.
A general phrase meaning 'to take care of' or 'look after'. Can be used for nursing in a broad sense.
I'm nursing my sick friend.
看護 (かんご) is professional nursing, often in a hospital. 介護 (かいご) is caregiving, especially for the elderly or disabled, focusing on daily living assistance. 看病 (かんびょう) is nursing a sick person, typically at home or in a non-professional setting.
Nurses work in hospitals.
I'm providing nursing care for my grandmother.
I took a day off work to nurse my child.
看護 (かんご) only refers to professional nursing. Using it for breastfeeding would be incorrect and confusing. Use 授乳 (じゅにゅう) instead.
I'm nursing (feeding breast milk).
けが人を介抱しました。
I nursed the injured person.