Translation guide
An anxiety disorder where a person who can speak fails to speak in specific social situations. In Japanese, this is a clinical term, and everyday descriptions often explain the behavior rather than using the direct translation.
The medical/psychological condition
The standard clinical term used by medical professionals and in official contexts.
Explaining that someone doesn't speak in certain situations without using clinical terms
A natural way to describe the behavior: 'becomes unable to speak in specific situations.'
The direct translation '選択的無言症' is not used in Japanese. Always use '選択性緘黙' or a descriptive phrase.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often describe the behavior rather than using the clinical term. Use '特定の場面で話せなくなる' to explain the condition naturally.
Selective mutism is a type of anxiety disorder.
A slightly more descriptive term meaning 'situational mutism,' sometimes used interchangeably.
Children with selective mutism cannot speak at school.
He becomes unable to speak in specific situations like at school.
Literally 'cannot speak in front of people,' but may be too broad; selective mutism is more specific.
This can also refer to general public speaking anxiety, not just selective mutism.
There are more children who can't speak in front of others.
A descriptive phrase: 'speaks at home but goes silent outside.'
If you can speak at home but go silent outside, it might be selective mutism.