Translation guide
The English word "toxic" can refer to literal poison, harmful chemicals, or figuratively to people, relationships, and environments. Japanese uses different words depending on the meaning.
Describing substances, chemicals, or materials that are poisonous or cause harm to living organisms.
The most direct and common translation for "toxic" in the sense of containing poison or being harmful to health. Used for chemicals, gases, plants, etc.
This plant is toxic.
Toxic gas was generated.
Refers to toxicity as a property. Often used in compound nouns like 毒性物質 (toxic substance).
This substance has strong toxicity.
Literally "contains poison". A descriptive phrase when you want to emphasize the presence of poison.
That mushroom contains poison (is toxic).
Describing a person whose behavior or character is damaging to others emotionally or psychologically.
Means "harmful" and can be used for people, influences, or environments. Slightly formal.
He is a toxic person.
Literally "becomes poison", used figuratively to mean something or someone is harmful to one's well-being.
That person is a toxic presence for me.
Means "troublesome" or "burdensome". Can be used for a difficult person, but lacks the strong connotation of poison.
Describing a relationship, workplace, or social environment that is emotionally destructive or unhealthy.
Direct translation: "harmful relationship". Commonly understood.
It's hard to get out of a toxic relationship.
Uses the "becomes poison" metaphor for relationships.
That friendship was a toxic relationship.
From "black company", used colloquially for exploitative or toxic work environments.
That company is too toxic.
Referring to "toxic masculinity", a specific cultural concept about harmful male stereotypes.
The standard translation for "toxic masculinity".
We need to discuss toxic masculinity.
Loanword from English, used in academic or activist contexts.
Toxic masculinity is a social problem.
Referring to "toxic assets" in finance, meaning assets that have become illiquid or worthless.
While 有毒 (ゆうどく) is correct for substances, using it for a person sounds like they are literally poisonous, not just unpleasant. Use 有害 (ゆうがい) or figurative phrases instead.
有毒 (ゆうどく) specifically means containing poison (biological/chemical). 有害 (ゆうがい) means harmful in a broader sense, including social or psychological harm. For most figurative uses, 有害 is more appropriate.
She finally left that toxic workplace.
彼は本当に厄介な奴だ。
He's a really toxic guy (troublesome).