Translation guide
The English word 'poison' refers to a substance that causes illness or death when introduced into the body. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 毒 (doku), but the way you express the concept depends on context: the substance itself, the act of poisoning, or metaphorical uses like 'poisonous atmosphere.'
Referring to a toxic substance that can cause illness or death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
The general term for poison, toxin, or venom. Can be used for both literal and figurative contexts.
This mushroom is poisonous.
The snake's venom is potent.
Refers to poisonous substances, often in a more formal or technical sense, such as chemicals or hazardous materials.
Please wear gloves when handling poisonous substances.
Specifically refers to a poisonous drug or potion, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
She was given a poisonous drug.
Describing the action of administering poison to a person, animal, or thing.
A common phrase meaning 'to poison' (someone's food or drink). Literally 'to serve poison.'
Someone poisoned his drink.
A verb meaning 'to kill by poisoning.' Used for deliberate murder.
He was poisoned to death.
Means 'to cause poisoning' or 'to intoxicate.' Often used for accidental poisoning or food poisoning.
Describing something that contains or acts as a poison.
The standard adjective meaning 'poisonous' or 'toxic.' Used for plants, animals, chemicals, etc.
Poisonous gas was generated.
This plant is poisonous, so please don't touch it.
A more colloquial way to say 'poisonous,' literally 'having poison.' Often used for animals or figurative speech.
I was bitten by a poisonous snake.
Using 'poison' metaphorically to describe something that corrupts, harms, or has a negative influence.
The same word 毒 is used figuratively for harmful influences, toxic people, or poisonous words.
His words are poison.
That workplace has a poisonous atmosphere.
Literally 'to become poison,' meaning something is harmful or detrimental, often used for advice or relationships.
Too much coddling is poison for a child.
Expressing the action of corrupting or negatively influencing someone's thoughts or feelings.
A verb meaning 'to poison' in a figurative sense, such as poisoning someone's mind or corrupting something.
Biased information poisoned his thinking.
A more general phrase meaning 'to have a bad influence,' which can be used instead of a direct translation of 'poison.'
The English loanword ポイズン (poizun) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in product names or creative contexts, but for everyday speech, stick to 毒 or related terms.
毒 (doku) is the general term. 毒素 (dokuso) specifically means 'toxin,' often of biological origin. 毒物 (dokubutsu) refers to poisonous substances, especially chemicals. Use 毒 for most situations.
The spoiled food poisoned him.
Violent games are said to poison children's minds.