伝染|でんせんdensen[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N2approx.Common
Definitions
  1. noun, suru verb, intransitive verbcontagion; infection
    我々われわれは病気びょうきの伝染でんせんをくいとめなければならない。↗
    We should check the spread of the disease.
Conjugation
Dictionary form伝染する(でんせんする)
Polite (masu)伝染します(でんせんします)
Negative (nai)伝染しない(でんせんしない)
polite (masen)伝染しません(でんせんしません)
classical zu / nu伝染せず・伝染せぬ(でんせんせず・でんせんせぬ)
Past (ta)伝染した(でんせんした)
polite (mashita)伝染しました(でんせんしました)
Past negative (nakatta)伝染しなかった(でんせんしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)伝染しませんでした(でんせんしませんでした)
Te form伝染して(でんせんして)
Potential伝染できる(でんせんできる)
Passive伝染される(でんせんされる)
Causative伝染させる(でんせんさせる)
Causative passive伝染させられる(でんせんさせられる)
Conditional (ba)伝染すれば(でんせんすれば)
tara伝染したら(でんせんしたら)
Volitional伝染しよう(でんせんしよう)
polite (mashou)伝染しましょう(でんせんしましょう)
Imperative伝染しろ(でんせんしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym感染かんせんNeutralFocuses on a pathogen entering the body (「ウイルスに感染する」), from the infected person's side; 「伝染」 stresses disease passing from one person to another.
  • Synonym伝播でんぱWrittenWritten/formal term for transmission or spread (「文化の伝播」), used mostly for culture and physical waves.
  • Synonym伝搬でんぱんWrittenWritten/formal term for the propagation of signals and waves, used mainly in physics and communications.
  • Related広まるひろまるNeutralMeans to spread or become widespread (「噂が広まる」「病気が広まる」), with the focus on scope widening.
  • Related拡散かくさんNeutralMeans diffusion (「情報の拡散」), used mostly for information spreading online and for gases.
  • Related波及はきゅうNeutralRefers to influence rippling outward (「影響が波及する」), stressing chain-reaction effects.
  • Related伝わるつたわるNeutralMeans to be conveyed or handed down (「気持ちが伝わる」); its range is far wider, covering feelings, news and traditions.
  • Related流布るふWrittenWritten/formal term for circulating among the public (「風説の流布」), used mostly for rumours.
  • Related広がるひろがるNeutralMeans to extend or spread out (「被害が広がる」), with the focus on area or scope widening.
  • RelatedはびこるNeutralMeans to run rampant or grow thick (「悪がはびこる」), a negative word for weeds and undesirable things prevailing.
  • Related蔓延まんえんWrittenLeans written/formal; refers to the spread of disease or bad habits (「感染症の蔓延」).
  • Related行き渡るいきわたるNeutralMeans to reach every corner or person (「全員に行き渡る」), stressing thorough, even distribution.

Use 「伝染」 for a disease passing from person to person, or for feelings and yawns catching on (「伝染病」「あくびが伝染する」). Pick 「感染」 for being infected by a pathogen, 「蔓延」 for a disease spreading, 「伝播」 for cultural transmission, 「波及」 for knock-on effects.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 病原体びょうげんたいがある個体こたいから別べつの個体こたいに侵入しんにゅうして症状しょうじょうを引き起ひきおこすこと。
  2. ある傾向けいこうや現象げんしょうが他ほかに移うつること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android