Translation guide
The medical condition of fluid retention causing swelling. In Japanese, the most common term is むくみ for everyday use, while 浮腫 is the formal medical term.
Describing swelling due to fluid buildup, often in legs, feet, or face, in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural word for swelling caused by fluid retention. Used in daily life, health contexts, and by non-specialists.
Describing a specific body part that is swollen due to fluid retention.
Use the verb むくむ with the body part as the subject. This is the most natural way to say a part is swollen from fluid.
足がむくんで靴がきつい。
My feet are swollen and my shoes feel tight.
まぶたがむくんで重たい。
My eyelids are swollen and feel heavy.
Discussing oedema as a medical diagnosis or symptom in a clinical setting.
むくみ refers specifically to swelling from fluid retention (oedema), often puffy and soft. 腫れ (はれ) is a general term for swelling from injury, inflammation, or infection, and can be firmer or painful. Use むくみ for fluid-related puffiness, and 腫れ for bumps, sprains, or inflammation.
転んでひざが腫れた。
I fell and my knee swelled up.
塩分の取りすぎで顔がむくんだ。
My face got puffy from too much salt.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use むくみ or the verb むくむ rather than the medical term 浮腫. For example, 'I have oedema' is more naturally expressed as むくみがある or むくんでいる.
朝起きたら顔がむくんでいた。
When I woke up, my face was swollen.
長時間座っていると足がむくみます。
My legs swell up if I sit for a long time.
The formal medical term for oedema. Used by doctors, in medical reports, or when discussing the condition technically.
この薬の副作用として浮腫が現れることがあります。
Oedema may occur as a side effect of this medication.
An older or less common medical term for oedema, literally 'water swelling'. Rarely used in modern everyday language.
水腫は組織に余分な液体がたまる状態です。
Oedema is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in tissues.
Noun form to refer to the swelling of a specific part.
足のむくみがひどい。
The swelling in my legs is severe.
I was diagnosed with lower limb oedema by the doctor.
A common phrase to tell a doctor you have swelling. More natural than using the technical term in speech.
最近、足にむくみがあるんです。
Recently, I've had swelling in my legs.