also: かったい · かたい
Medical term for Hansen's disease. The word can be sensitive; in modern contexts, ハンセン病 is often preferred. The gloss 'leper' refers to a person with the disease, but this usage is dated and potentially offensive.
Leprosy is now a treatable disease.
In the past, leprosy patients were isolated.
leper
white leprosy
black leprosy
leper; person with leprosy
leprosarium; leper colony
The word is usually written in kana. The kanji form 癩 is rare and may be considered sensitive.
Kanji form; rarely used and may be considered sensitive or outdated.
Rare reading variant.
Rare reading variant.
The reading らい is derived from Middle Chinese. The alternate readings かったい and かたい are rare and their origins are uncertain.