How to say "acute" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 急性きゅうせいno-adjectiveThe medical sense: an acute illness or condition, as opposed to a chronic one. For 'acute' in medical contexts, where it describes a disease or its course, this is the word you want.
- 切実せつじつna-adjective, nounCovers 'acute' describing a keenly felt need, wish, or emotion — an acute need or longing. Its core meanings are 'earnest' and 'sincere', so the nuance is pressing and heartfelt rather than painful.
- 鋭利えいりna-adjective, nounReally means physically sharp — a keen blade, edge, or point. For most senses of 'acute' this is not the word you want; it is the choice only when 'acute' simply means 'sharp'.
- 鋭敏えいびんna-adjective, nounCovers 'acute' describing the senses and perception: acute hearing, an acute sense of smell, acute powers of observation. The nuance is keenness together with sensitivity — quickly and finely perceiving things.
- 痛切つうせつna-adjective, nounCovers 'acute' describing emotions or awareness felt keenly and painfully — acute regret or an acute sense of loss. The nuance is a feeling that cuts like pain; compare 切実 for earnest, pressing needs.
Use 急性 for acute illnesses, 鋭利 for literal sharpness of blades, 鋭敏 for acute senses and perception, and 切実 or 痛切 for keenly felt feelings — 切実 for earnest, pressing needs, 痛切 for painfully felt emotions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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