Translation guide
A material that causes harm or death when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism. This guide covers common Japanese terms for poisons, toxins, and venoms, organized by context and usage.
The broadest term for any poisonous or toxic substance, used in everyday, medical, and scientific contexts.
The most common and versatile word for 'poison' or 'toxic substance'. Covers poisons, toxins, and venoms. Used in compounds like 食中毒 (food poisoning).
This mushroom contains poison.
I might have been poisoned.
Literally 'poisonous substance', often used in legal, regulatory, or formal contexts. Slightly more technical than 毒.
Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act
Formal term for 'toxic substance', used in scientific, industrial, or environmental contexts.
Toxic substances leaked from the factory.
Poisonous substances produced by animals, typically injected via bite or sting.
Poisonous substances produced by living organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or fungi. Often used in medical or scientific contexts.
Man-made or inorganic poisonous substances, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, or warfare agents.
毒 (doku) is the general term for poison/venom/toxin. 毒物 (dokubutsu) is a formal term for poisonous substances, often used in legal contexts. 毒素 (dokuso) specifically refers to biological toxins produced by organisms.
English 'poison' can be a verb (to poison someone). In Japanese, use phrases like 毒を盛る (doku o moru) or 毒殺する (dokusatsu suru). The noun 毒 does not function as a verb.
毒ヘビは毒液を注入する。
Venomous snakes inject venom.
Beware of food poisoning from pufferfish natural toxins.
劇物は毒物より規制が緩い。
Deleterious substances are less strictly regulated than poisonous substances.