Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'serious illness' depends on context: medical severity, life-threatening conditions, or general seriousness. Common terms include 重病 (jūbyō) for severe illness, 大病 (taibyō) for major illness, and 重症 (jūshō) for serious condition. For life-threatening diseases, 命に関わる病気 (inochi ni kakawaru byōki) is natural. In casual speech, 重い病気 (omoi byōki) is often used.
To refer to a serious or severe illness in general, often requiring hospitalization or long-term treatment.
A common term for a serious illness, often implying a life-threatening or severe condition. Used in both medical and everyday contexts.
He is hospitalized with a serious illness.
Refers to a major or serious illness, often one that is life-changing or requires extensive treatment. Slightly less clinical than 重病.
After suffering a serious illness, I started taking better care of my health.
A more colloquial way to say 'serious illness'. Literally 'heavy illness', it is commonly used in everyday conversation.
I've come down with a serious illness.
Refers to an intractable or rare disease, often chronic and difficult to treat. Used in medical and legal contexts.
Treatments for designated intractable diseases are being researched.
To emphasize that an illness is life-threatening or could be fatal.
Literally 'illness related to life', this phrase clearly conveys that the illness is life-threatening. Natural and commonly used.
It's not a life-threatening illness, so please don't worry.
Similar to 命に関わる, but slightly more dramatic, emphasizing the line between life and death.
A more clinical term meaning 'fatal illness'. Used in medical reports or formal writing.
To describe the severity of a patient's condition, often in a hospital setting.
Means 'serious condition' or 'severe case'. Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a patient's state.
The patient is in serious condition and is in the ICU.
Specifically means 'critically ill' or 'in a critical condition', often used in news reports about accidents or sudden illness.
Means 'critically ill' with the implication of being near death. Used in formal announcements or news.
To indicate an illness is serious in terms of impact on daily life, but not necessarily fatal.
重病 (jūbyō) is a general term for serious illness, often life-threatening. 大病 (taibyō) emphasizes the magnitude or impact of the illness, like a major disease. 重症 (jūshō) is used for the severity of a patient's condition, especially in medical settings. Use 重病 for the illness itself, 大病 for the experience, and 重症 for the clinical state.
to contract a serious illness
to experience a major illness
seriously ill patient
Directly translating 'serious illness' as 真面目な病気 (majime na byōki) is incorrect. 真面目 means 'serious' as in earnest or diligent, not medically severe. Stick to the terms listed above.
I was diagnosed with a life-or-death illness.
A vaccine against a fatal illness has been developed.
事故で重体の男性が病院に運ばれた。
A man in critical condition from the accident was taken to the hospital.
祖父が危篤だと連絡があった。
I was contacted that my grandfather is in critical condition.
Early detection is important for preventing serious illnesses.