Translation guide
Describes a person with schizophrenia or something characterized by contradictory elements. In Japanese, the medical term and the colloquial use for inconsistency are distinct.
Referring to someone diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Standard, respectful way to say 'a person with schizophrenia'. Avoids labeling the person solely by the condition.
彼は統合失調症の人です。
He is a person with schizophrenia.
Clinical term for 'schizophrenia patient'. Used in medical contexts.
Describing actions, policies, or attitudes that are contradictory or rapidly changing.
Means 'contradictory'. Used for statements, actions, or situations that conflict with each other.
彼の矛盾した態度に困惑した。
I was confused by his contradictory attitude.
The old term 精神分裂病 (せいしんぶんれつびょう) is now considered stigmatizing. Always use 統合失調症 (とうごうしっちょうしょう) for the medical condition.
統合失調症は脳の病気です。
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder.
In English, 'schizophrenic' is often used loosely to mean 'contradictory'. In Japanese, this figurative use is less common and may be misunderstood. Use 矛盾した (contradictory) or 支離滅裂な (incoherent) instead.
その政策は矛盾している。
That policy is schizophrenic (contradictory).
統合失調症患者の治療には時間がかかることが多い。
Treatment for schizophrenia patients often takes time.
Older term, now considered stigmatizing and officially replaced by 統合失調症. Avoid using.
This term is outdated and can be offensive. Use 統合失調症 instead.
精神分裂病の人は幻覚を見ることがある。
People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations.
Describes speech or logic that is incoherent, disjointed, or all over the place.
彼の説明は支離滅裂で理解できなかった。
His explanation was so incoherent I couldn't understand it.
Literally 'like a split personality'. Used figuratively for someone who seems to have two conflicting sides.
Can be insensitive if used near actual mental health contexts. Best for clearly metaphorical use.
彼は仕事中と家では二重人格のようだ。
He's like a split personality at work and at home.