Translation guide
A type of parasitic or free-living nematode worm. In everyday English, 'roundworm' often refers to intestinal parasites in humans or pets. This guide covers how to talk about roundworms in Japanese, from medical terms to everyday conversation.
Referring to roundworms as parasites, especially in medical or veterinary contexts.
The standard medical and general term for parasitic roundworms, especially Ascaris species. Used for human and animal infections.
回虫は腸に寄生する寄生虫です。
Roundworms are parasites that live in the intestines.
Scientific term for nematodes, the phylum that includes roundworms. Used in biology and parasitology. Broader than 回虫.
線虫類には多くの寄生虫が含まれます。
Nematodes include many parasitic species.
Talking about the disease or condition caused by roundworms.
Medical term for ascariasis, the disease caused by roundworm infection.
回虫症は発展途上国でよく見られます。
Ascariasis is common in developing countries.
General phrase for roundworm infection, used in both medical and everyday contexts.
回虫感染の症状には腹痛や下痢があります。
Symptoms of roundworm infection include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Talking about roundworms in pets, especially when discussing deworming or symptoms.
Specifically the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis). Used in veterinary contexts.
子犬は犬回虫に感染しやすいです。
Puppies are susceptible to roundworm infection.
Specifically the cat roundworm (Toxocara cati).
猫回虫は猫から人に感染することがあります。
Cat roundworms can sometimes infect humans.
Deworming for roundworms. Common phrase at veterinary clinics.
定期的な回虫駆除が必要です。
Regular deworming for roundworms is necessary.
Referring to roundworms in soil, water, or as part of ecosystems, not as parasites.
The general biological term for nematodes, including free-living species. Used in science and agriculture.
土壌中には多くの線虫が生息しています。
Many nematodes live in the soil.
In casual conversation, English speakers might say 'roundworm' but often just say 'worm'. Japanese also uses a general term.
General word for worm or bug. In context, it can mean intestinal worms. Not specific to roundworms, but natural in everyday talk.
お腹に虫がいるかもしれない。
I might have worms.
Colloquial phrase for intestinal worms. Often used when talking about children or pets.
子供が時々お腹の虫を訴えます。
Children sometimes complain of stomach worms.
回虫 (kaichū) specifically refers to parasitic roundworms like Ascaris, while 線虫 (senchū) is the broader scientific category Nematoda. In everyday conversation, 回虫 is more common for infections; 線虫 is used in biology and agriculture.
If you suspect a roundworm infection, you can say 「回虫に感染したかもしれません」(I might have a roundworm infection). The doctor will understand 回虫.