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.
この植物は有毒です。
This plant is toxic.
有毒ガスが発生した。
Toxic gas was generated.
Refers to toxicity as a property. Often used in compound nouns like 毒性物質 (toxic substance).
この物質は強い毒性を持っている。
This substance has strong toxicity.
Literally "contains poison". A descriptive phrase when you want to emphasize the presence of poison.
そのキノコは毒を含んでいる。
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.
彼は有害な人物だ。
He is a toxic person.
Literally "becomes poison", used figuratively to mean something or someone is harmful to one's well-being.
あの人は私にとって毒になる存在だ。
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.
有害な関係から抜け出すのは難しい。
It's hard to get out of a toxic relationship.
Uses the "becomes poison" metaphor for relationships.
その友情は毒になる関係だった。
That friendship was a toxic relationship.
From "black company", used colloquially for exploitative or toxic work environments.
あの会社はブラックすぎる。
That company is too toxic.
Referring to "toxic masculinity", a specific cultural concept about harmful male stereotypes.
The standard translation for "toxic masculinity".
有害な男らしさについて話し合う必要がある。
We need to discuss toxic masculinity.
Loanword from English, used in academic or activist contexts.
トキシック・マスキュリニティは社会問題だ。
Toxic masculinity is a social problem.
Referring to "toxic assets" in finance, meaning assets that have become illiquid or worthless.
Standard financial term for non-performing or toxic assets.
銀行は不良資産を抱えている。
The bank is holding toxic assets.
Literal translation of "toxic assets", sometimes used in news.
有毒資産の処理が急務だ。
Disposal of toxic assets is urgent.
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.
彼女はついにあの有害な職場を辞めた。
She finally left that toxic workplace.
彼は本当に厄介な奴だ。
He's a really toxic guy (troublesome).