Translation guide
The English word 'plague' can refer to a deadly epidemic disease, a large-scale infestation of pests, or a persistent nuisance. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a deadly, widespread infectious disease, especially the bubonic plague.
The most common and direct translation for the bubonic plague. Used in historical and medical contexts.
中世ヨーロッパでペストが大流行した。
The plague spread widely in medieval Europe.
A general term for epidemic or pestilence. Can be used for any severe infectious disease outbreak.
その村は疫病で全滅した。
The village was wiped out by a plague.
Literally 'Black Death disease'. Specifically refers to the historical bubonic plague pandemic.
黒死病は14世紀にヨーロッパで猛威を振るった。
The Black Death raged in Europe in the 14th century.
Describing a large number of harmful animals or insects causing damage.
Means 'a massive outbreak of ~'. Used for swarms of insects or rodents.
今年はバッタの大発生で作物が全滅した。
This year, a plague of locusts destroyed all the crops.
Refers to harmful animals or vermin. Often used in the context of pest control.
Means 'mass outbreak' or 'proliferation'. Can be used for any sudden increase in pests.
ゴキブリの大量発生に困っている。
We're having trouble with a plague of cockroaches.
Referring to something that causes continual annoyance or difficulty.
Literally 'seed of worry'. A common phrase for a persistent problem or annoyance.
交通渋滞が悩みの種だ。
Traffic jams are a real plague.
Literally 'seed of headache'. Similar to '悩みの種', meaning a source of worry or trouble.
彼の無責任さが頭痛の種だ。
His irresponsibility is a plague.
Means 'nuisance' or 'annoyance'. Can be used to describe a person or thing that causes trouble.
When 'plague' means a persistent nuisance, do not use ペスト or 疫病. Those words refer to diseases. Use phrases like 悩みの種 or 迷惑 instead.
In this area, damage from a plague of rats is serious.
あの営業電話は本当に迷惑だ。
Those sales calls are a real plague.