Translation guide
Bacteria that cause disease. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 病原菌 (byōgenkin). Related terms exist for specific contexts like food poisoning or medical terminology.
The learner wants to refer to bacteria that cause illness in a general or everyday context.
The standard, widely understood term for pathogenic bacteria. Used in both everyday and scientific contexts.
この病原菌は抗生物質に耐性がある。
This pathogenic bacterium is resistant to antibiotics.
手洗いは病原菌の感染を防ぐ。
Handwashing prevents infection by pathogenic bacteria.
A more technical term explicitly meaning 'pathogenic bacterium'. Often used in medical or biological contexts.
病原細菌の同定には時間がかかる。
Identification of pathogenic bacteria takes time.
The learner wants to talk about bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Specifically refers to bacteria that cause food poisoning. Common in news and everyday conversation about food safety.
生肉には食中毒菌がいることがある。
Raw meat can contain food poisoning bacteria.
食中毒菌を殺すには十分な加熱が必要だ。
To kill food poisoning bacteria, thorough heating is necessary.
The learner wants a broader term that may include other pathogens, not just bacteria.
A general term for any disease-causing agent, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Use when the distinction is not important or when referring to pathogens broadly.
この病気の病原体はまだ特定されていない。
The pathogen causing this disease has not yet been identified.