Translation guide
A synthetic drug is a man-made substance designed to mimic the effects of natural drugs. This guide covers how to refer to synthetic drugs in Japanese, from general terms to specific categories and slang.
To refer broadly to drugs produced through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural extracts.
The standard, neutral term for synthetic narcotics or drugs. Used in news, legal, and medical contexts.
Trafficking of synthetic drugs is increasing.
A broader term that can include any synthetic chemical substance, not necessarily illegal. Often used in scientific or regulatory contexts.
Research on new synthetic drugs is underway.
Literally 'chemically synthesized drug'. More technical, used in academic or forensic settings.
Analyzing chemically synthesized drugs requires advanced technology.
To refer to synthetic substances designed to circumvent drug laws, often sold as 'legal highs'.
To refer specifically to synthetic marijuana-like substances.
The scientific and media term for synthetic cannabinoids. Used in warnings and reports.
Products containing synthetic cannabinoids were seized.
To refer to synthetic drugs with stimulant effects.
To refer to synthetic narcotics with opioid effects.
To refer to synthetic drugs in informal or street language.
Directly translating 'synthetic drug' as 合成薬 (ごうせいやく) is not common and may cause confusion. Use the established terms above.
脱法ドラッグ was the common term for legal highs until around 2014, when the government started using 危険ドラッグ to emphasize the danger. Both are understood, but 危険ドラッグ is now official.
Literally 'dangerous drugs'. An official term used by Japanese authorities after 2014 to replace '脱法ドラッグ' and emphasize the risk.
Please never use dangerous drugs.
Loanword from English 'designer drug'. Understood but less common than native terms.
Designer drugs are made by slightly altering the chemical structure.
Often refers specifically to methamphetamine, the most common synthetic stimulant in Japan. Context usually makes it clear.
He was arrested for violating the Stimulant Control Law.
Cases of death from synthetic opioid overdose are increasing.
Don't get involved with drugs.