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.
合成麻薬の密売が増加している。
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.
新しい合成薬物の研究が進められている。
Research on new synthetic drugs is underway.
Literally 'chemically synthesized drug'. More technical, used in academic or forensic settings.
化学合成薬物の分析には高度な技術が必要だ。
Analyzing chemically synthesized drugs requires advanced technology.
To refer to synthetic substances designed to circumvent drug laws, often sold as 'legal highs'.
Common term for 'legal highs' or designer drugs that exploit legal loopholes. Widely used in media.
脱法ドラッグによる健康被害が問題になっている。
Health problems caused by legal highs have become an issue.
To refer specifically to synthetic marijuana-like substances.
The scientific and media term for synthetic cannabinoids. Used in warnings and reports.
合成カンナビノイドを含む製品が押収された。
Products containing synthetic cannabinoids were seized.
To refer to synthetic drugs with stimulant effects.
General term for synthetic stimulants. Often used in legal contexts.
合成覚醒剤の密造が摘発された。
An illegal production of synthetic stimulants was uncovered.
Often refers specifically to methamphetamine, the most common synthetic stimulant in Japan. Context usually makes it clear.
覚醒剤取締法違反で逮捕された。
He was arrested for violating the Stimulant Control Law.
To refer to synthetic narcotics with opioid effects.
Technical term for synthetic opioid analgesics. Used in medical contexts.
合成麻薬性鎮痛薬の乱用が深刻化している。
Abuse of synthetic opioid analgesics is becoming serious.
Loanword for synthetic opioids. Increasingly used in news and health reports.
合成オピオイドの過剰摂取で死亡するケースが増えている。
Cases of death from synthetic opioid overdose are increasing.
To refer to synthetic drugs in informal or street language.
Slang for drugs in general, can include synthetics. Rough and criminal connotation.
あいつはヤクを売ってるらしい。
I heard that guy sells drugs.
Slang for drugs, from the word for medicine. Can be used in casual conversation but still carries illegal nuance.
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.
危険ドラッグの使用は絶対にやめてください。
Please never use dangerous drugs.
Loanword from English 'designer drug'. Understood but less common than native terms.
デザイナードラッグは化学構造を少し変えて作られる。
Designer drugs are made by slightly altering the chemical structure.
Don't get involved with drugs.