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.
選択性緘黙は不安障害の一種です。
Selective mutism is a type of anxiety disorder.
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.'
彼は学校などの特定の場面で話せなくなります。
He becomes unable to speak in specific situations like at school.
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.
A slightly more descriptive term meaning 'situational mutism,' sometimes used interchangeably.
場面緘黙の子どもは学校で話せません。
Children with selective mutism cannot speak 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.
人前で話せない子どもが増えている。
There are more children who can't speak in front of others.
A descriptive phrase: 'speaks at home but goes silent outside.'
家では話せるのに外では黙ってしまうのは、選択性緘黙かもしれません。
If you can speak at home but go silent outside, it might be selective mutism.