Translation guide
The English word 'pathological' has two main uses: describing something related to disease (medical), and describing behavior that is extreme, compulsive, or irrational. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something as caused by, involving, or characteristic of a disease or medical condition.
The most direct and common translation for 'pathological' in medical contexts. It is a na-adjective meaning 'morbid' or 'diseased'.
この組織は病的な変化を示している。
This tissue shows pathological changes.
More technical, meaning 'pathological' in the sense of 'pertaining to pathology as a science'. Used in academic or clinical settings.
Describing behavior or mental states that are uncontrollable, obsessive, or far beyond normal.
Also used for behavioral meanings, just like in English. It implies the behavior is abnormal and unhealthy.
彼は病的な嘘つきだ。
He is a pathological liar.
While 病的な is the standard translation, using it too casually might sound overly clinical. For everyday descriptions of extreme behavior, 異常な or other context-specific words may be more natural.
We are waiting for the results of the pathological examination.
A noun meaning 'pathological change' or 'lesion'. Often used in medical reports.
X線画像に病変が見つかった。
A pathological lesion was found on the X-ray.
She is pathologically meticulous.
Adverbial form meaning 'pathologically'. Used to modify verbs or adjectives.
彼は病的に嫉妬深い。
He is pathologically jealous.
Means 'abnormal' or 'anomalous'. Can be used when 'pathological' implies something is far from normal, but it lacks the medical connotation.
彼の行動は異常だ。
His behavior is pathological (abnormal).
Specifically means 'obsessive-compulsive' or 'compulsive'. Use when 'pathological' refers to compulsive behavior.
彼は強迫的なギャンブラーだ。
He is a pathological gambler.