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.
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.
天然痘は1980年に根絶されました。
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.
痘瘡ウイルスは天然痘の原因です。
The variola virus is the cause of smallpox.
Referring specifically to the virus that causes smallpox.
This is the standard way to say 'variola virus' or 'smallpox virus'.
天然痘ウイルスはポックスウイルス科に属します。
The variola virus belongs to the Poxviridae family.
A more technical term for the variola virus, using the literary word for smallpox.
痘瘡ウイルスのゲノムが解析された。
The genome of the variola virus has been analyzed.
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.