Translation guide
The English word "sickness" can refer to the state of being ill, a specific disease, or the feeling of nausea. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each meaning.
To describe the general state of being sick or having an illness.
The most common and general word for illness or sickness. Can be used for both physical and mental conditions.
彼は病気で学校を休んだ。
He was absent from school due to sickness.
病気のときはゆっくり休んでください。
When you are sick, please rest well.
Literally 'poor physical condition'. A slightly more formal way to say you're feeling unwell, often used in workplace or school contexts.
体調不良のため、本日は欠席します。
Due to sickness, I will be absent today.
A more literary or old-fashioned word for illness, often used in set phrases or dramatic contexts.
彼は長い病の末に亡くなった。
He passed away after a long sickness.
To express the sensation of wanting to vomit or feeling queasy.
The standard word for nausea. Often used with がする (ga suru) to mean 'feel nauseous'.
吐き気がするので、少し横になります。
I feel sick (nauseous), so I'll lie down for a bit.
車に酔って吐き気をもよおした。
I got carsick and felt nauseous.
A very common, casual phrase meaning 'feel sick' or 'feel gross'. Can refer to nausea or general discomfort.
A more colloquial term for nausea or a feeling of disgust in the stomach. Can also mean irritation.
To refer to sickness caused by motion, such as in a car, boat, or plane.
General term for motion sickness. Can be specified as 車酔い (car sickness), 船酔い (seasickness), etc.
私は乗り物酔いしやすい。
I easily get motion sickness.
船酔いで気分が悪い。
I feel sick from seasickness.
To refer to a particular illness or medical condition.
A formal medical term for disease or disorder. Used in clinical contexts.
この疾患は治療が難しい。
This sickness (disease) is difficult to treat.
Also used for specific diseases, though less technical than 疾患.
English 'sickness' can mean both 'illness' and 'nausea'. In Japanese, these are distinct: 病気 (byōki) for illness, 吐き気 (hakike) for nausea. Using 病気 when you mean nausea will cause confusion.
病気 is a general term for sickness. 体調不良 is more formal and often used in official contexts like calling in sick to work. It implies 'not feeling well' without specifying a disease.
食べ過ぎて気持ち悪い。
I ate too much and feel sick.
むかつきが治まらない。
The sickness (nausea) won't go away.
That is a rare sickness.