アルコール依存症
arukōru izonshō
The Japanese term for the English noun "alcoholic" is アルコール依存症 (arukōru izonshō).
アルコール依存症 is used to refer to a person who is addicted to alcohol.
Meaning: a person addicted to alcohol (noun)
Which one should you use?
While アルコール依存症 specifically refers to the medical condition of addiction, the term アルコール中毒 (arukōru chūdoku) can refer to both chronic alcoholism and acute alcohol poisoning.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
arukōru izonshō
Did you know?
- In some older literature, a person prone to excessive drinking might be referred to as a 酒豪 (shugō), which carries a slightly more respectful or awe-filled nuance of someone with a 'strong liquor capacity'.
- The word 中毒 in アルコール中毒 literally means 'poisoning', reflecting an older view of addiction as a biological toxin in the system.
- Unlike in English, where 'alcoholic' can be a casual label, アルコール依存症 is almost exclusively used in clinical or serious contexts due to the heavy social stigma of addiction in Japan.
Examples in context
- トムはアルコール依存症なの？Is Tom an alcoholic?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is an アルコール依存症.Tatoeba #8846728 by bunbuku, translation #2262069 by CK
- 彼はアルコール依存症の治療を受けています。Kare wa arukooru izonshou no chiryou o ukete imasu.He is receiving treatment for alcoholism.
Example conversation
Himi and Ren are discussing a relative's health.
- 陽葵 Himariおじいちゃん、アルコール依存症だったの？ojiichan, arukooru izonzhou datta no?Was Grandpa an alcoholic?
- 蓮 Renうん、昔はそうだったよ。un, mukashi wa sou datta yo.Yeah, he used to be.
- 陽葵 Himari今はもう大丈夫なの？ima wa mou daijoubu na no?Is he okay now?
- 蓮 Renああ、もうお酒は飲んでいないよ。aa, mou osake wa nonde inai yo.Yes, he doesn't drink anymore.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
