破傷風
hashōfū[ha̠ɕo̞ːɸɯ̟ː]
Tetanus is translated into Japanese as 破傷風 (hashōfū).
破傷風 is a noun referring to the medical condition known as tetanus.
Meaning: disease (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
hashōfū
Did you know?
- The word 破傷風 is composed of characters meaning 'broken', 'wound' and 'wind'. In ancient times, it was believed that the disease was caused by 'wind' entering a wound.
- The character 風 in 破傷風 is shared with several other traditional Japanese medical terms for diseases that were once thought to be caused by 'malignant winds' or environmental spirits.
- The character 破 in 破傷風 is also used in the word 破産, meaning 'bankruptcy', as both involve something 'breaking' or 'falling apart'.
Examples in context
- あなたは病犬に噛まれたら、破傷風の予防注射が必要となってしまいます。If you get bit by a rabid dog, you'll need a tetanus shot.This sentence is useful for discussing the need for a 破傷風 shot after being bitten by a dog.Tatoeba #1487301 by marshmallowcat, translation #963960 by darinmex
- 破傷風は恐ろしい病気です。Hashōfū wa osoroshii byōki desu.Tetanus is a terrifying disease.
- 古い釘で、破傷風になるリスクがあります。Furui kugi de, hashōfū ni naru risuku ga arimasu.There is a risk of getting tetanus from an old nail.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a small wound sustained during gardening.
- 陽太 Yota庭仕事中に、足を少し切ってしまったんだ。Niwa shigoto chū ni, ashi o sukoshi kitte shimatta nda.I cut my foot a little while gardening.
- 美咲 Misaki破傷風が心配だから、一度病院へ行ったほうがいいよ。Hashōfū ga shinpai dakara, ichido byōin e itta hō ga ii yo.I'm worried about tetanus, so you should go to a hospital.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、診察を受けてくるよ。Sō da ne, shinsatsu o ukete kuru yo.You're right, I'll go get an examination.
- 美咲 Misaki無理しないで、お大事にね。Muri shinai de, odaiji ni ne.Don't overdo it, take care.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tetanus” translations and entries 破傷風, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
