How to Say “Pica” in Japanese

Learning how to say “pica” in Japanese will come in handy when discussing this particular disorder, or if you ever need to communicate about it with Japanese speakers. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “pica” in Japanese, while providing various tips, examples, and even regional variations when necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Pica” in Japanese

When discussing “pica” in a formal context, such as medical or professional settings, the most appropriate term to use is “食欲異常” (shokuyoku ijō). “食欲” (shokuyoku) means “appetite,” and “異常” (ijō) means “abnormal.” Therefore, this term directly translates to “abnormal appetite.” Using this term ensures clarity and accurate communication in official situations.

Here’s an example of using the formal term:

彼女は食欲異常のため、非常に奇妙なものを食べることがあります。
(Kanojo wa shokuyoku ijō no tame, hijōni kimyōna mono o taberu koto ga arimasu.)
“Because of her abnormal appetite, she sometimes eats very strange things.”

Informal Ways to Say “Pica” in Japanese

In less formal situations or everyday conversations, it is more common to use the term “変食” (henshoku), which can be translated as “strange eating” or “unusual food choices.” Although “変食” is less clinical, it is widely understood among Japanese speakers and can be used comfortably in casual settings.

For instance:

彼の変食は本当に驚くべきものです。
(Kare no henshoku wa hontōni odoroku beki monodesu.)
“His unusual food choices are truly astonishing.”

Regional Variations

When exploring regional variations, it’s important to note that the terms mentioned above are commonly used throughout Japan. However, some dialectical variations exist, especially in informal speech. In certain regions, you may come across the term “変な食べ物” (henna tabemono) instead of “変食” (henshoku). This variation conveys the same meaning.

Keep in mind that while regional variations can add color to your language skills, they are not necessary for effective communication about “pica” in Japanese.

Additional Tips and Examples

Here are a few extra tips and examples to enhance your understanding:

• Tip 1: When discussing “pica” in Japanese, it’s helpful to provide context or additional explanations to ensure clear communication.
• Tip 2: If you want to describe the act of eating non-food items specifically, you can mention “異物食” (ibutsushoku). “異物” (ibutsu) means “foreign object,” while “食” (shoku) means “to eat.”
• Example 1: 彼は異物食の傾向があります。 (Kare wa ibutsushoku no keikō ga arimasu.) “He has a tendency to eat foreign objects.”
• Example 2: 何故彼女は異常なものを食べるのか、理解できません。 (Naze kanojo wa ijōna mono o taberu no ka, rikai dekimasen.) “I don’t understand why she eats abnormal things.”