Translation guide
A substance that increases alertness, energy, or bodily functions. In Japanese, the translation depends on context: medical/physiological, recreational/drugs, or figurative (something that stimulates activity).
A substance that temporarily increases the activity of the body or nervous system, such as caffeine or amphetamines.
A drug taken for its euphoric or energizing effects, often illegally.
The standard term for illegal stimulant drugs like methamphetamine.
He was arrested for stimulant drugs.
A more general term for stimulant drugs, but less common than 覚醒剤 in legal contexts.
Loanword from English, often used colloquially for recreational drugs in general, including stimulants.
Something that makes a person or thing more active or energetic, not a physical substance.
Broadly means 'stimulus' or 'stimulation'; can be used figuratively for something that provokes action or excitement.
Competition acts as a stimulant for the economy.
Literally 'detonator'; used figuratively for something that triggers a burst of activity or change.
Means 'source of vitality'; used for something that energizes a person or group.
Music is a stimulant for me.
When using 'stimulant' figuratively (e.g., 'a stimulant for the economy'), do not directly translate as 刺激物. Use 刺激 or 起爆剤 instead.
Tourism is a stimulant for the local economy.
刺激物 is a neutral term for any stimulating substance (e.g., caffeine, spices). 覚醒剤 specifically refers to illegal stimulant drugs like amphetamines and carries a strong criminal connotation.
This drug acts as a stimulant.
Refers to stimulant drugs, especially illegal amphetamines. Strongly associated with drug abuse.
Often implies illegal substances; use with care.
The use of stimulant drugs is prohibited by law.
刺激薬の乱用は健康を害します。
Abuse of stimulants harms your health.
彼はドラッグをやっている。
He's doing drugs (stimulants).
その政策が景気回復の起爆剤となった。
That policy became a stimulant for economic recovery.