Translation guide
A disease caused by a virus. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as ウイルス性疾患 (uirusu-sei shikkan) in medical contexts, or more generally as ウイルス感染症 (uirusu kansen-shō) for viral infections. For specific diseases, the virus name is often used directly.
Referring to a disease caused by a virus in a clinical or formal context.
Standard medical term for 'viral disease'. Used in formal or clinical settings.
このウイルス性疾患は感染力が強い。
This viral disease is highly contagious.
Literally 'viral infection'. Often used interchangeably with ウイルス性疾患, but emphasizes the infectious aspect.
新型ウイルス感染症が流行している。
A new viral disease is spreading.
A more general term, but less common in formal medical writing. Can be used in everyday conversation.
そのウイルス病は子供に多い。
That viral disease is common in children.
Referring to a particular viral disease by name.
In Japanese, as in English, specific viral diseases are usually referred to by their proper names (e.g., インフルエンザ for influenza, 麻疹 for measles). This is the most natural way to talk about a known viral disease.
インフルエンザは毎年流行する。
Influenza, a viral disease, spreads every year.
麻疹はウイルス性疾患の一つです。
Measles is one of the viral diseases.
Talking about a viral illness in a non-specialist context.
A simple, colloquial way to say 'viral disease'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
何かウイルスの病気にかかったみたい。
I think I caught some kind of viral disease.
Slightly more formal than ウイルスの病気, but still used in everyday contexts.
ウイルス性の病気には抗生物質は効かない。
Antibiotics don't work on viral diseases.
When the specific virus is known, it's more natural to use the disease name (e.g., 風邪 for a cold, 水痘 for chickenpox) rather than the generic term.