Translation guide
A disease passed through sexual contact. In Japanese, the most common term is 性感染症 (seikansenshō), often abbreviated as 性病 (seibyō) in casual contexts. Medical and formal settings prefer 性感染症, while 性病 can sound old-fashioned or clinical.
Referring to a sexually transmitted infection in general, in medical, formal, or everyday contexts.
The standard medical and formal term for sexually transmitted infection. Used in healthcare, official documents, and public health contexts.
Condoms are effective for preventing sexually transmitted infections.
A common, slightly older term for venereal disease. Still widely understood but can sound clinical or old-fashioned. Often used in casual conversation.
You should get tested for STIs.
A more explicit term meaning 'sexually transmitted infection' (literally 'sexual activity infection'). Used in some medical contexts but less common than 性感染症.
Early detection of sexually transmitted infections is important.
Naming a particular sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV.
Chlamydia. The most common bacterial STI in Japan. Often referred to by its full name クラミジア感染症 (chlamydia infection).
Chlamydia often has few noticeable symptoms.
Gonorrhea. The kanji literally mean 'drip disease'. Commonly used in medical and everyday contexts.
Syphilis. Historically significant and recently resurgent in Japan. The kanji mean 'plum poison'.
HIV. Usually referred to by the English acronym. The full term is ヒト免疫不全ウイルス, but this is rarely used outside medical texts.
HIV can be controlled with early treatment.
Genital herpes. Caused by herpes simplex virus. Often abbreviated as ヘルペス in context.
Talking about STI testing, check-ups, or screening.
Discussing how to prevent STIs, including condom use and safe sex practices.
性感染症 is the modern, medically accurate term and is preferred in formal contexts. 性病 is older and can carry a slight stigma, but is still very common in everyday speech. In casual conversation, 性病 is often used without negative connotation, but in medical or official settings, 性感染症 is safer.
Do not translate 'sexually transmitted infection' word-for-word as 性的に伝染する感染症. This is unnatural and not used. Stick to the established terms 性感染症 or 性病.
I think I might have an STI.
Casual, spoken. For a more formal version, use 性感染症かもしれません。
Where can I get tested for STIs?
淋病は抗生物質で治療できます。
Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
梅毒の感染者数が増えています。
The number of syphilis cases is increasing.
Genital herpes can recur.
We offer free STI testing.