Translation guide
A serious infectious disease affecting the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 肺結核 (はいけっかく) in medical contexts, but everyday conversation may use simpler terms or euphemisms.
pulmonary tuberculosis (medical term)
tuberculosis (general)
Standard medical term for pulmonary tuberculosis. Used by healthcare professionals and in official documents.
I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
General term for tuberculosis. Often used when the pulmonary nature is implied or contextually clear.
Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air.
Literally 'tuberculosis of the lungs'. Used when specifying the location is necessary but less formal than 肺結核.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is treatable.
Talking about the disease in casual or non-medical settings, often with euphemisms.
Older or colloquial term for lung disease, historically associated with tuberculosis. Still understood but may sound dated.
In the past, many people died of lung disease (tuberculosis).
In casual talk, simply saying 結核 is often enough. If clarification is needed, add 肺の (e.g., 肺の結核).
I've had tuberculosis before.
Referring to the disease in historical or literary works, often with romanticized or tragic connotations.
Archaic term for tuberculosis, literally 'consumptive cough'. Used in classical literature or period dramas.
She died young of consumption.
Directly translating 'pulmonary tuberculosis' as 肺の結核症 is unnatural. Stick to 肺結核 or simply 結核.
In medical settings, use 肺結核. In everyday conversation, 結核 is usually sufficient unless you need to distinguish from other forms of tuberculosis.