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.
When I woke up, my face was swollen.
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.
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.
Oedema is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in tissues.
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.
My feet are swollen and my shoes feel tight.
My eyelids are swollen and feel heavy.
Noun form to refer to the swelling of a specific part.
The swelling in my legs is severe.
Discussing oedema as a medical diagnosis or symptom in a clinical setting.
Standard medical term. Use when talking to doctors or reading medical documents.
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.
Recently, I've had swelling in my legs.
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.
I fell and my knee swelled up.
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.