持病
Meanings
chronic disease; chronic illness; old complaint
Refers to a long-standing medical condition that a person has, often managed over time. Can be used for both serious and minor recurring ailments.
He suffers from chronic lower back pain.
I have a chronic condition, so I go to the hospital regularly.
bad habit; intractable habit
Figurative use likening a persistent bad habit to a chronic illness. Often used self-deprecatingly or humorously.
Being late is a chronic habit of mine that I just can't seem to fix.
Usage patterns
- 持病があるto have a chronic illness/condition
My grandfather has a chronic heart condition.
- 〈事〉が持病だto describe a persistent bad habit as one's 'chronic illness'
His habit of being late is like a chronic condition of his.
- 持病を抱えるto be burdened with/suffer from a chronic illness
She has struggled with chronic back pain for years.
- 持病の薬medicine for one's chronic condition
I always bring my medication for my chronic condition even when traveling.
- 持病が悪化するfor a chronic illness to worsen/flare up
My chronic asthma flares up when it gets cold.