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'.
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.
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.
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.
We are waiting for the results of the pathological examination.
A noun meaning 'pathological change' or 'lesion'. Often used in medical reports.
A pathological lesion was found on the X-ray.
He is a pathological liar.
She is pathologically meticulous.
Adverbial form meaning 'pathologically'. Used to modify verbs or adjectives.
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.
His behavior is pathological (abnormal).
Specifically means 'obsessive-compulsive' or 'compulsive'. Use when 'pathological' refers to compulsive behavior.
He is a pathological gambler.