Translation and Meaning of: 病気 - byouki

The Japanese word 「病気」 (byouki) is used to describe a condition of illness or disease. In Japan, this term is widely used to refer to any health problem that affects the body or mind. The word consists of two Kanji: 「病」 (byou), which means "disease" or "illness," and 「気」 (ki), which traditionally refers to energy or spirit, but in this context, relates to the state of the body or mind. The everyday use of the expression is not limited to serious illnesses but also encompasses mild conditions such as colds or headaches.

Etymologically, the Kanji 「病」 originates from Chinese characters and the Japanese language, its meaning is often associated with the idea of being in a state of discomfort or physical disorder. The radical "疒" symbolizes illness or prostration, reinforcing the idea of disease. On the other hand, the Kanji 「気」 in the composition of the word plays a more passive role, indicating the general state of the organism. In Japan, it is common to see the use of the word 「病気」 in medical settings and also in casual conversations when someone refers to not feeling well.

Throughout Japanese history, the perception and treatment of diseases have evolved significantly. In ancient periods, healthcare was often combined with spiritual practices and rituals. In modern society, modern medical science has shaped the understanding and treatment of 「病気」, resulting in a healthcare system that emphasizes both prevention and cure. Being an essential word in the vocabulary of Japanese society, 「病気」 reflects cultural attitudes towards health and well-being, balancing tradition and scientific innovation.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 疾患 (shikkan) - Disease or pathological condition.
• 病 (byou) - Generic term for disease.
• 疾病 (shippou) - Acute or sudden illness.
• 病気 (byouki) - Disease or illness, used in a more common way.
• 病態 (byoutai) - State of the disease or clinical condition.
• 病状 (byoujou) - Signs or symptoms of a specific disease.
• 病弊 (byouhei) - Illness that causes social or economic problems.
• 病症 (byoushou) - Symptoms or manifestations of a disease.

病気

Romaji: byouki
Kana: びょうき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: illness.

Meaning in English: illness;disease;sickness

Definition: State in which an abnormality occurs in the body or mind.

Example Sentences - (病気) byouki

See below some example sentences:

末期がんは治療が難しい病気です。

Matsuki gan wa chiryou ga muzukashii byouki desu

Advanced stage cancer is a difficult disease to treat.

The last term cancer is a difficult disease to treat.

• 末期がん - advanced cancer
• 治療 - Treatment
• 難しい - difficult
• 病気 - disease

看護師は病気の人々を助けるために大切な存在です。

Kangoshi wa byouki no hitobito wo tasukeru tame ni taisetsu na sonzai desu

Nurses are an important presence to help sick people.

Nurses are important to help sick people.

• 看護師 - nurse
• は - Topic particle
• 病気 - illness
• の - Possessive particle
• 人々 - people
• を - Direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• ために - For
• 大切な - Important
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb to be/estar

私の病気は治るでしょうか？

Watashi no byouki wa naoru deshou ka?

Will my illness be healed?

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two things
• 病気 - Japanese noun meaning "disease"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 治る - Japanese verb that means "heal"
• でしょうか - Japanese expression that indicates a polite or uncertain question