Translation guide
A disease spread through sexual contact. In Japanese, the most common term is 性感染症 (seikansenshō), often abbreviated as STD. This guide covers medical terms, casual expressions, and how to discuss symptoms or testing.
To refer to a sexually transmitted disease in a clinical, educational, or formal context.
The standard medical term for sexually transmitted disease. Used in hospitals, public health, and formal writing.
性感染症の検査を受けました。
I got tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The English abbreviation is widely understood in Japan, especially among younger people and in medical contexts. Pronounced as エスティーディー.
STDの予防について学びましょう。
Let's learn about STD prevention.
An older term that is still used colloquially but can sound dated or slightly stigmatizing. Often replaced by 性感染症 in official contexts.
性病にかかったことがありますか？
Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
To talk about STDs informally among friends or in everyday conversation.
In casual speech, 性病 is the most common way to refer to STDs, though it may carry a slightly negative connotation.
性病がうつったかもしれない。
I might have caught an STD.
Used casually, especially among younger generations familiar with English abbreviations.
STDってどんな症状があるの？
What kind of symptoms do STDs have?
To name a particular sexually transmitted disease.
Chlamydia. The most common bacterial STD in Japan.
クラミジアの治療は簡単です。
Treatment for chlamydia is simple.
Gonorrhea. Often mentioned alongside chlamydia.
Syphilis. Cases have been rising in Japan in recent years.
HIV is usually referred to by the English abbreviation, pronounced エイチアイブイ.
HIVの検査は匿名で受けられます。
You can get an HIV test anonymously.
Herpes. Often specified as 性器ヘルペス (genital herpes).
To talk about STD testing or check-ups.
STD test. Commonly used in clinics and online searches.
性病検査キットを注文しました。
I ordered an STD test kit.
More formal way to say STD testing.
性感染症の検査は保健所で無料で受けられます。
You can get free STD testing at public health centers.
性感染症 is the modern, neutral medical term. 性病 is older and can sound judgmental or dirty. In casual conversation, 性病 is still common, but in formal or medical settings, use 性感染症.
When discussing symptoms, use 症状 (しょうじょう). For example: 性感染症の症状について相談したいです (I'd like to consult about STD symptoms).
淋病の症状には注意が必要です。
You need to be careful about gonorrhea symptoms.
梅毒の感染者が増えています。
Syphilis cases are increasing.
性器ヘルペスは再発することがあります。
Genital herpes can recur.