Translation guide
The condition of being sensitive to light, either medically (skin or eyes) or in a technical context (materials, electronics).
Abnormal skin reaction to sunlight or UV, often due to medication or condition.
Standard medical term for photosensitivity as a skin condition.
この薬は光線過敏症を引き起こすことがあります。
This medication can cause photosensitivity.
Specifically emphasizes sensitivity to sunlight.
日光過敏症の人は、外出時に日焼け止めが必要です。
People with photosensitivity need sunscreen when going outside.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'skin sensitive to light', used in everyday conversation.
光に敏感な肌なので、日焼け止めをこまめに塗っています。
I have photosensitive skin, so I apply sunscreen frequently.
Discomfort or pain in eyes when exposed to light (photophobia).
Medical term for photophobia, often used in ophthalmology.
羞明の症状がある場合は、眼科を受診してください。
If you have symptoms of photosensitivity, please see an ophthalmologist.
Common expression meaning 'light is dazzling/bright', used to describe sensitivity.
目が光に敏感で、すぐにまぶしく感じます。
My eyes are sensitive to light; I quickly feel dazzled.
Abbreviated term sometimes used in medical contexts, but less common than 羞明.
光過敏のため、サングラスが手放せません。
Because of photosensitivity, I can't go without sunglasses.
Property of a material or device that reacts to light.
General term for light sensitivity in technical contexts (e.g., sensors, film).
このセンサーは光感度が高い。
This sensor has high photosensitivity.
Often used for chemical or photographic sensitivity to light.
このフィルムは感光性が非常に高い。
This film has very high photosensitivity.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'sensitivity to light', used in explanations.
光に対する感度を調整してください。
Please adjust the photosensitivity.
光線過敏症 (こうせんかびんしょう) refers to skin photosensitivity, while 羞明 (しゅうめい) refers to eye photosensitivity (photophobia). Use the appropriate term based on context.
In casual conversation, instead of technical terms, you can describe the condition with phrases like 光に敏感 (ひかりにびんかん) 'sensitive to light' or 光がまぶしい (ひかりがまぶしい) 'light is dazzling'.