How to say "deaf-mute" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 聾唖ろうあno-adjectiveMatches 'deaf-mute' most directly: it names deaf-mutism, the combined condition of being deaf and unable to speak. Less common, but the closer fit when you mean both deafness and muteness.
- 唖おしnounPrimarily it means 'mute' (unable to speak), with 'deaf-mute' only a secondary sense. It is a sensitive word that can cause offense, so it is seldom the right word for 'deaf-mute'.
Both are less common words: use 聾唖 for the combined condition of deafness and mutism, while 唖 primarily means 'mute' and is sensitive, making it a poor choice for 'deaf-mute'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
