Translation guide
The English word 'retard' can be a verb meaning to delay or slow down, or a highly offensive noun referring to a person with intellectual disabilities. This guide covers both meanings, with strong warnings about the noun form.
To cause something to happen later or more slowly than expected.
General verb meaning to delay or postpone something. Transitive.
Bad weather retarded the progress of the construction.
More formal, often used in technical or official contexts. Transitive.
A system failure retarded the delivery.
Similar to 遅らせる, but slightly more colloquial. Transitive.
His mistake retarded the project.
Means to stagnate or bring to a standstill, often used for economic or social progress.
Regulations are retarding economic growth.
A highly derogatory slur for someone with a mental disability. This usage is extremely offensive and should be avoided.
The English noun 'retard' is a deeply offensive slur. There is no acceptable direct translation. If you need to refer to intellectual disability, use respectful medical or descriptive terms.
Using any Japanese equivalent of this slur can cause severe offense. Avoid entirely.
Please do not use this word.
Literally 'wisdom delay', this is an outdated and highly offensive term. Included only for recognition; never use it.
Extremely derogatory. Do not use.
The English noun 'retard' is a slur. In Japanese, terms like 知恵遅れ (ちえおくれ) are equally offensive and should never be used. If you need to discuss intellectual disability, use 知的障害 (ちてきしょうがい) or 知的障害者 (ちてきしょうがいしゃ) in appropriate contexts.
He has an intellectual disability.
It is unacceptable to call him a retard.
The neutral, respectful term for a person with an intellectual disability. Use this if you must refer to the condition, but never as an insult.
Only for factual, respectful contexts. Not a translation of the slur.
He is a person with an intellectual disability.