Translation guide
Describes the state of carrying a developing baby. Japanese has several common expressions, with the most neutral and widely used being 妊娠している. Other terms vary by formality, context, and nuance.
To say someone is pregnant in a neutral, everyday way.
The standard, neutral way to say 'is pregnant'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼女は妊娠している。
She is pregnant.
I found out I'm pregnant.
A euphemistic, somewhat old-fashioned or gentle way to refer to pregnancy, often implying a happy event. Can be used as 'おめでたです'.
おめでたですか？
Are you expecting?
A warm, colloquial way to say 'there's a baby in the belly'. Common in casual conversation.
お腹に赤ちゃんがいるんだ。
I have a baby in my belly.
A literary or formal term for being pregnant, often used in written language or historical contexts.
身重の体で働く
to work while pregnant
To express the act of conceiving or getting pregnant.
The standard verb for 'to become pregnant'. Used in all contexts.
彼女は先月妊娠した。
She got pregnant last month.
Literally 'to be blessed with a child'. A humble, grateful way to say 'become pregnant', often used by the couple themselves.
やっと子供を授かりました。
We were finally blessed with a child.
A somewhat archaic or literary term for 'to conceive'. Rare in modern conversation.
To refer to a pregnant woman as a person.
The standard noun for 'pregnant woman'. Used in medical, official, and everyday contexts.
妊婦は優先席に座れます。
Pregnant women can sit in priority seats.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'a woman who is pregnant'. Slightly more formal or explanatory.
妊娠中の女性は注意が必要です。
Women who are pregnant need to be careful.
To talk about pregnancy as a state or condition.
The noun for 'pregnancy'. Used in medical and general contexts.
妊娠は病気ではありません。
Pregnancy is not an illness.
A formal or literary term for pregnancy, often used in announcements or historical texts.
To refer to a pregnancy test or medical check.
To describe an animal that is pregnant.
Can be used for animals as well, though sometimes specific terms exist.
その猫は妊娠している。
That cat is pregnant.
A more visceral or literary term for carrying young, used for animals or metaphorically.
牝馬が仔を孕んでいる。
The mare is carrying a foal.
English phrases like 'she's expecting' or 'she's in the family way' do not translate directly. Use 妊娠している or おめでた for euphemisms.
彼女はおめでたです。
She's expecting.
妊娠 is clinical and neutral; おめでた is a softer, congratulatory euphemism. Use おめでた when you want to sound happy and polite, but it may sound old-fashioned to some.
妊娠おめでとう！
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
おめでたおめでとう！
Congratulations on the happy news!
彼女は妊娠3ヶ月です。
She is three months pregnant.
妊娠したかもしれない。
I think I might be pregnant.
彼女は身ごもった。
She conceived.
懐妊の知らせ
news of pregnancy
Specifically a home pregnancy test kit.
薬局で妊娠検査薬を買った。
I bought a pregnancy test at the pharmacy.