Translation guide
Describes a severe physical injury. In Japanese, the most common and natural expressions are 重傷 (じゅうしょう) and 大けが (おおけが). The choice depends on formality and context.
To refer to a severe wound or injury in a general sense, such as from an accident, violence, or combat.
The standard, neutral term for a serious injury. Used in news, medical contexts, and everyday speech. Often used in the phrase 重傷を負う (to sustain a serious injury).
彼は事故で重傷を負った。
He sustained a serious injury in the accident.
重傷者は病院に運ばれた。
The seriously injured were taken to the hospital.
A more casual, everyday term for a serious injury. Commonly used in conversation. Note: けが is often written in hiragana, but can be 怪我.
スキーで大けがをした。
I got seriously injured skiing.
大けがじゃなくてよかった。
I'm glad it wasn't a serious injury.
Literally 'deep wound', often used for a serious cut or stab wound. Can sound slightly literary or dramatic.
彼は深手を負って倒れた。
He fell, having sustained a deep wound.
Refers to a serious medical condition, not just a wound. Often used in medical contexts to describe a patient's state (重症患者 = seriously ill patient). Overlaps with 'serious wound' when the injury is life-threatening.
彼は重症で集中治療室に入った。
He was in a serious condition and entered the ICU.
To emphasize that the wound is potentially fatal.
A fatal wound; an injury that will cause death. Used in both literal and figurative senses.
その刺し傷は致命傷だった。
The stab wound was fatal.
A more explanatory phrase: 'a life-threatening injury'. Natural in conversation.
命に関わるけがで入院した。
He was hospitalized with a life-threatening injury.
Specifically a wound caused by a blade or bullet.
Still the most common term, but context makes it clear it's from a weapon.
彼は銃撃で重傷を負った。
He was seriously wounded by gunfire.
Especially appropriate for deep cuts or stabs.
Specifically a gunshot wound. Technical/medical term.
重傷 (じゅうしょう) is more formal and often used in news reports or medical settings. 大けが (おおけが) is casual and common in everyday speech. Both mean 'serious injury', but 大けが can sound slightly less severe or more colloquial.
The English word 'wound' often implies a cut or injury from a weapon. In Japanese, 傷 (きず) can mean any injury, but 'serious wound' is usually translated as 重傷 or 大けが, which cover all types of serious injuries. Using 重い傷 (おもいきず) is understandable but less natural than the set phrases.
He was dealt a deep wound with a sword.
銃創は深く、手術が必要だった。
The gunshot wound was deep and required surgery.