Translation guide
Variola is the medical term for smallpox, a serious infectious disease. In Japanese, the most common and natural term is 天然痘 (てんねんとう). The English word 'variola' is highly technical; its direct equivalent 痘瘡 (とうそう) is also technical and less common.
variola (smallpox)
This is the standard term for smallpox in Japanese.
Referring to the infectious disease caused by the variola virus.
This is the most common and natural Japanese word for smallpox. It is used in general, medical, and historical contexts.
Smallpox was eradicated in 1980.
This is a more technical or literary term for smallpox, directly corresponding to 'variola'. It is less common in everyday language.
The variola virus is the cause of smallpox.
Referring specifically to the virus that causes smallpox.
天然痘 (てんねんとう) is the everyday and medical term for smallpox. 痘瘡 (とうそう) is a more formal, literary, or historical term, often seen in older texts or very technical contexts. For most purposes, 天然痘 is preferred.
The English word 'variola' is highly technical. In Japanese, using 痘瘡 in casual conversation may sound overly formal or archaic. Stick to 天然痘 unless you are in a specialized medical or historical discussion.
The genome of the variola virus has been analyzed.