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B1 noun #7,000 most common 9 min read

持病

jibyo Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 持病 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 持病 in your Level:

持病 (じびょう) is a word for a 'long sickness.' In A1, you don't need to use it much, but you might see it at a doctor's office. It means a sickness that stays with you for a long time, like asthma or bad allergies. You can think of it as 'My sickness.' You use it by saying '持病があります' (I have a long sickness). Don't use it for a cold or a small headache. It is for things that you have for many years. It's a useful word if you need to tell a teacher or a boss why you need to take medicine. Just remember: 持 (hold) + 病 (sick). You 'hold' the sickness for a long time.

At the A2 level, you should recognize 持病 (じびょう) as 'chronic illness.' This word is more specific than just '病気' (sickness). You use it when talking about health history. For example, '持病の薬' means 'medicine for my chronic illness.' If you go to a Japanese clinic, the staff might ask you '持病はありますか？' You should answer 'はい' if you have something like diabetes or high blood pressure, and 'いいえ' if you are generally healthy. It's an important word for personal safety and health management in Japan. It's a noun, so you can use it with 'がある' or 'を持っている'.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 持病 (じびょう) to explain your personal circumstances. It refers to a 'pre-existing condition' or 'chronic illness.' It is commonly used in the pattern '[Illness Name] という持病' (a chronic illness called [Name]). This level requires you to understand that 持病 is the standard term for non-technical but serious health discussions. For instance, if you cannot eat certain foods or do heavy exercise, explaining that it is because of a '持病' is very effective. It sounds more responsible and clear than just saying you are 'sick' (病気), which might imply you have a temporary contagious infection.

At B2, you should understand the nuances between 持病 and more formal terms like 慢性疾患 (chronic disease) or 基礎疾患 (underlying condition). 持病 is frequently used in news reports to discuss the health of public figures, often as a reason for their resignation or change in activity. You should also be comfortable with collocations like '持病が悪化する' (chronic illness worsens) or '持病を抱える' (to suffer from/carry a chronic illness). Understanding the cultural aspect—that disclosing a 持病 is a serious matter but often necessary for social accommodation—is key to mastering the word at this level.

For C1 learners, 持病 (じびょう) is a foundational term that appears in literature, legal documents (like insurance contracts), and complex social negotiations. You should be able to distinguish it from literary synonyms like 宿痾 (shukua) or 痼疾 (koshitsu), which carry a more heavy, almost fatalistic tone. You should also be aware of how the word is used in the '持病持ち' (jibyou-mochi) form and when that might be considered too informal or insensitive. In a professional medical or social work context, you would use this word to build a patient's history while maintaining a balance between clinical accuracy and human empathy.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 持病, including its use in subtle rhetorical contexts. You understand how the term can be used metaphorically—for example, a recurring 'flaw' in a system or a long-standing social problem might occasionally be referred to as a '持病' of that society. You are also fully aware of the legal implications of the term in 'disclosure obligations' (告知義務) for insurance. You can navigate the most complex social situations where the disclosure of a 持病 is required, using the appropriate honorifics and indirect language to maintain 'wa' (harmony) while ensuring your health needs are met.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

持病 in 30 Seconds

持病 (jibyou) means chronic illness or pre-existing condition.
It is composed of the kanji for 'hold' and 'illness'.
Commonly used in medical contexts and explaining personal health constraints.
Distinguished from temporary illnesses like colds or flu.

The Japanese word 持病 (じびょう - jibyou) is a noun that specifically refers to a chronic illness or a pre-existing medical condition that a person has been dealing with for a long period. Etymologically, it is composed of two kanji: 持 (ji), meaning 'to hold' or 'to possess,' and 病 (byou), meaning 'illness' or 'disease.' Therefore, the literal sense is 'an illness that one holds onto.' Unlike a common cold (風邪) or a sudden injury (怪我), a jibyou is something that defines a person's long-term health status. It is a word that carries a sense of permanence or at least a long-term struggle. When you hear a Japanese speaker mention their 持病, they are likely talking about conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or chronic back pain. It is a word used in both clinical settings and daily conversation, though it requires a certain level of intimacy or necessity to share, as Japanese culture often values privacy regarding health matters.

Medical Context: In medical environments, doctors use 'jibyou' to ask about a patient's history. For example, '持病はありますか？' (Do you have any chronic conditions?). It is vital for ensuring medication safety and understanding the patient's baseline health.

祖父は持病の腰痛が悪化して、今日は寝込んでいます。 (My grandfather's chronic back pain has worsened, so he is staying in bed today.)

Understanding the weight of this word is crucial for learners. It is not used for minor, temporary ailments. If you have a headache today, you don't call it a 持病 unless you suffer from chronic migraines. The word implies a history of treatment, management, and perhaps a lifestyle adjusted to accommodate the condition. In professional settings, such as job interviews or insurance applications, 持病 is the standard term for 'pre-existing condition.' It is also frequently used in literature and news to describe the long-term health struggles of public figures or characters. The word bridges the gap between purely technical medical jargon and everyday descriptive language, making it a versatile and essential part of the B1-level Japanese vocabulary.

Social Nuance: Disclosing a 'jibyou' in Japan can sometimes be a way of explaining why one cannot participate in certain activities, like drinking alcohol at a party or performing heavy labor, without sounding like they are making excuses.

彼は持病があるため、無理な運動は避けている。 (Because he has a chronic illness, he avoids strenuous exercise.)

Using 持病 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a noun and the verbs that typically follow it. The most common structure is [Noun] + の + 持病 to specify what the illness is, or simply using 持病 as the subject or object of a sentence. Because it refers to a state of being rather than a sudden action, it is frequently paired with the verb ある (aru) to indicate existence, or 抱える (kakaeru) to suggest 'carrying' or 'burdened by' the condition. For example, '持病を抱えながら働く' (Working while dealing with a chronic illness) conveys a sense of perseverance. It is also common to see it in the form of 持病持ち (jibyou-mochi), which is a slightly more informal noun meaning 'a person with a chronic condition,' though this should be used with caution as it can sound a bit blunt depending on the context.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 持病がある (To have a chronic illness)
2. 持病が悪化する (Chronic illness worsens)
3. 持病と付き合う (To live with/manage a chronic illness)
4. 持病を隠す (To hide a chronic illness)

母は長年、喘息という持病と向き合ってきました。 (My mother has been facing her chronic illness called asthma for many years.)

In formal writing, such as medical reports or insurance documents, you will see 持病 used to categorize health history. For instance, '持病の有無' (presence or absence of chronic illness) is a standard field on medical intake forms. In these contexts, the word is strictly neutral. However, in personal essays or novels, 持病 can take on a more emotional tone, representing a lifelong companion or a constant shadow. It is important for learners to distinguish 持病 from 慢性疾患 (mansei shikkan). While both mean chronic illness, the latter is a highly technical medical term used by professionals, whereas 持病 is the word used by the general public. If you are talking to a friend about your allergies or your back problems, 持病 is the natural choice.

Sentence Structure Examples: Topic + は + [Specific Illness] + という + 持病 + がある。
Example: 彼は糖尿病という持病がある。(He has a chronic illness called diabetes.)

冬になると、父の持病である神経痛が痛み出す。 (When winter comes, my father's chronic neuralgia begins to ache.)

You will encounter 持病 in several distinct real-world scenarios in Japan. The most common is the 病院 (byouin - hospital) or クリニック (kurinikku - clinic). Upon your first visit, you are almost always asked to fill out a questionnaire (問診票 - monshinhyou) which includes the question: '現在、治療中の持病はありますか？' (Do you currently have any chronic illnesses under treatment?). This is a critical moment to use the word. Another common place is in the 職場 (shokuba - workplace). While employees aren't always required to disclose health issues, they might use 持病 when requesting accommodations, such as avoiding overtime or needing a specific chair. In this context, using the word 持病 provides a legitimate medical reason for the request, which is generally respected in Japanese corporate culture.

Common Scenarios: 1. Health Checkups (健康診断)
2. Insurance Applications (保険の加入)
3. Elderly Conversations (高齢者の会話)
4. Travel Preparations (旅行の準備)

保険に加入する際、持病を正確に申告しなければならない。 (When joining an insurance plan, you must accurately declare any chronic illnesses.)

Furthermore, 持病 frequently appears in news reports, especially when discussing the health of the Prime Minister or other high-ranking officials. For example, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation was widely reported in relation to his 持病 (ulcerative colitis). This usage highlights the word's role in explaining personal circumstances that affect public duties. You might also hear it in television dramas (particularly medical or family dramas) where a character's secret 持病 becomes a plot point. Even in casual settings, if someone refuses a drink by saying '持病の薬を飲んでいるので' (Because I am taking medicine for a chronic condition), it is a polite and unquestionable way to decline. In essence, 持病 is a keyword for navigating health-related social boundaries in Japan.

News Vocabulary: 持病の悪化により辞任する (To resign due to the worsening of a chronic illness)
持病を抱えながらの公務 (Public duties while managing a chronic illness)

ニュースで、その俳優が持病のために休業すると発表された。 (It was announced on the news that the actor will take a break from work due to a chronic illness.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 持病 is using it to describe temporary illnesses. For example, if you have the flu or a cold, you should never say '持病があります.' This would confuse the listener into thinking you have a permanent condition like asthma. 持病 implies a long-term 'holding' of the disease. Another error involves the confusion between 持病 (jibyou) and 病気 (byouki). While 病気 is a general term for any sickness, 持病 is a specific subset. You can say '病気になった' (I became sick), but you rarely say '持病になった' (I became a chronic illness). Instead, you would say '持病があることがわかった' (It was discovered that I have a chronic illness) or '持病を患っている' (I am suffering from a chronic illness).

Incorrect vs. Correct: ❌ 昨日から持病の風邪を引いています。(I've had a chronic cold since yesterday.) - *Colds are not chronic.*
✅ 持病の喘息で、昨日から咳が止まりません。(Due to my chronic asthma, my coughing hasn't stopped since yesterday.)

彼は持病を「ただの風邪」と勘違いしていた。 (He misunderstood his chronic illness as 'just a cold.')

Another subtle mistake is the register. While 持病 is acceptable in most situations, using it in an extremely casual conversation with close friends might sound a bit stiff or overly serious. In such cases, people might just name the condition directly (e.g., '腰がずっと悪くて' - 'My back has been bad for a long time'). Conversely, in very formal medical academic papers, you should use 慢性疾患. Lastly, be careful with the kanji. The first kanji 持 (to hold) is often confused with 待 (to wait) or 特 (special) by beginners. Remembering that you 'hold' (持) a chronic illness is the key to both writing and understanding the word correctly. Miswriting it as 待病 or 特病 will make your writing unintelligible to native speakers.

Kanji Confusion: 持 (Hold) vs. 待 (Wait) vs. 特 (Special)
Correct: 持病 (Jibyou) - The illness you carry.

漢字の書き間違いで「待病」と書いてはいけません。 (You must not write '待病' due to a kanji mistake.)

To truly master 持病, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different nuance and use case. The most clinical alternative is 慢性疾患 (mansei shikkan), which literally translates to 'chronic disease.' This term is predominantly used by doctors, researchers, and in health insurance policies. It sounds much more 'biological' and less personal than 持病. On the other hand, 既往症 (kiou-shou) is a term often seen on medical forms meaning 'past medical history' or 'pre-existing conditions.' While 持病 focuses on what you have *now*, 既往症 can include things you had in the past but are now cured of. Choosing the right word depends entirely on who you are talking to and why.

Comparison Table

Word	Nuance	Context
持病	Personal, common	Daily life, general medical
慢性疾患	Technical, objective	Academic, professional medical
既往症	Historical, formal	Insurance, medical history forms
痼疾 (koshitsu)	Literary, chronic/deep	Old literature, very formal

彼は慢性疾患の専門医に相談することに決めた。 (He decided to consult a specialist in chronic diseases.)

Another interesting term is 宿痾 (shukua). This is a very literary and somewhat poetic way to refer to a long-standing illness that one has 'carried from a previous life' or had for a very long time. You will almost never hear this in spoken Japanese, but you might find it in classic novels. For modern learners, focusing on the distinction between 持病 and 慢性疾患 is the most practical path. If you are describing your own condition to a colleague, stick with 持病. If you are reading a medical study or a government health report, expect to see 慢性疾患. Understanding these layers of synonyms allows you to adjust your Japanese to the appropriate social and professional 'register,' which is a key skill at the B1 level and beyond.

Additional Related Terms: ・持病持ち (Jibyou-mochi) - Someone with a chronic illness
・持病の再発 (Jibyou no saihatsu) - Recurrence of a chronic illness
・基礎疾患 (Kiso shikkan) - Underlying condition (often used during COVID-19)

ワクチン接種の際、基礎疾患がある人が優先された。 (People with underlying conditions were prioritized during the vaccination rollout.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 持 also appears in 'kimochi' (feeling), suggesting a 'holding' of an internal state.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒi.bjoː

US dʒi.bjoʊ

The stress is even, but the second syllable 'byou' is elongated.

Rhymes With

Bibyou (微量 - though different kanji) Kibyou (奇病) Shibyou (死病) Nibyou (二秒) Gibyou (擬病) Hibyou (非業) Mibyou (未病) Ubyou (有病)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ji' as 'shi'.
Shortening the 'ou' sound in 'byou'.
Confusing the pitch accent, making it sound like a different word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require attention to detail (持 vs 待).

Writing 3/5

Commonly used in forms, so knowing the kanji is essential.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, high utility.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, often heard in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病気持つある薬病院

Learn Next

慢性急性症状診察保険

Advanced

基礎疾患既往症寛解宿痾

Grammar to Know

Noun + という + Noun

喘息という持病

〜ながら (While)

持病を抱えながら働く

〜ため (Reason)

持病があるため、欠席します

〜ことにしている (Decided habit)

持病のために、毎日歩くことにしている

〜のおかげで / 〜のせいで

持病のせいで運動できない

Examples by Level

持病があります。

I have a chronic illness.

Uses the basic 'ga arimasu' structure.

これは持病の薬です。

This is medicine for my chronic illness.

Noun + no + Noun structure.

持病は何ですか？

What is your chronic illness?

Simple question form.

持病はありません。

I don't have any chronic illnesses.

Negative existence form.

持病を教えてください。

Please tell me your chronic illness.

Requesting information with 'te kudasai'.

父は持病があります。

My father has a chronic illness.

Subject + wa + object + ga arimasu.

持病の名前は何ですか？

What is the name of the chronic illness?

Possessive 'no' usage.

持病で休みます。

I will be absent due to my chronic illness.

Using 'de' to indicate cause/reason.

持病があるので、お酒は飲めません。

I can't drink alcohol because I have a chronic illness.

Using 'node' to explain a reason.

彼は子供のころから持病があります。

He has had a chronic illness since he was a child.

Time marker 'kara' with existence.

持病のことを先生に話しました。

I talked to the teacher about my chronic illness.

Using 'no koto' to mean 'about'.

毎日、持病の薬を飲みます。

I take medicine for my chronic illness every day.

Frequency adverb 'mainichi'.

持病が悪くならないように気をつけています。

I am careful so that my chronic illness doesn't get worse.

Using 'youni' for purpose/intent.

母の持病は喘息です。

My mother's chronic illness is asthma.

A is B sentence structure.

旅行に行くときは、持病の薬を忘れないでください。

When you go on a trip, please don't forget your chronic illness medicine.

Using 'toki' and 'naide kudasai'.

持病がある人は、この運動をしないでください。

People with chronic illnesses, please do not do this exercise.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

持病を抱えながら、仕事を続けています。

I am continuing my work while dealing with a chronic illness.

Using 'nagara' for simultaneous actions.

彼は糖尿病という持病を持っています。

He has a chronic illness called diabetes.

Using 'to iu' to define the noun.

持病が悪化したため、入院することになりました。

Because my chronic illness worsened, it was decided that I would be hospitalized.

Using 'tame' for reason and 'koto ni naru' for external decisions.

新しい保険に入るには、持病を申告する必要があります。

To join a new insurance, you need to declare your chronic illnesses.

Using 'hitsuyou ga aru' (need to).

持病があることを、上司に伝えておいたほうがいいですよ。

It's better to tell your boss that you have a chronic illness in advance.

Using 'te oku' for preparatory actions.

彼女は持病のせいで、激しいスポーツができません。

She cannot do intense sports because of her chronic illness.

Using 'no sei de' for negative causes.

持病があっても、工夫すれば楽しく暮らせます。

Even if you have a chronic illness, you can live happily if you make adjustments.

Using 'temo' for 'even if'.

その持病は、遺伝的なものだと言われています。

It is said that the chronic illness is genetic.

Using 'to iwarete iru' for general beliefs.

首相は持病の再発を理由に、辞意を表明しました。

The Prime Minister announced his intention to resign, citing the recurrence of his chronic illness.

Using 'wo riyuu ni' (with ... as the reason).

持病と上手く付き合っていく方法を見つけたいです。

I want to find a way to live well with my chronic illness.

Using 'tsukiau' metaphorically for managing a condition.

災害時に備えて、持病の薬を多めに用意しておくべきだ。

In preparation for a disaster, you should prepare extra medicine for your chronic illness.

Using 'beki da' for obligation/advice.

持病の有無によって、受けられるサービスが異なります。

Available services vary depending on whether or not you have a chronic illness.

Using 'ni yotte' to show dependence.

彼は持病を隠して採用試験を受けたが、後で問題になった。

He took the recruitment exam while hiding his chronic illness, but it became a problem later.

Using 'te' form to indicate manner/state.

持病の治療に専念するため、しばらく休職します。

I will take a leave of absence for a while to focus on treating my chronic illness.

Using 'ni sennen suru' (to concentrate/devote oneself to).

高齢になると、何らかの持病を抱えるのが一般的です。

As people get older, it is common to have some kind of chronic illness.

Using 'no ga ippanteki da' for generalizations.

持病が完治することはないが、コントロールは可能です。

The chronic illness won't be completely cured, but control is possible.

Using 'koto wa nai' for strong negation.

長年の持病が、彼の創作活動に大きな影響を与えた。

His long-standing chronic illness had a significant impact on his creative activities.

Using 'eikyou wo ataeru' (to influence).

持病を克服した彼の体験談は、多くの患者に勇気を与えた。

His story of overcoming a chronic illness gave courage to many patients.

Using 'kokufuku' (overcoming).

持病の管理は、単なる医療の問題ではなく、生活の質の問題だ。

Managing a chronic illness is not just a medical issue, but an issue of quality of life.

Using 'de wa naku' for contrast.

持病があることを理由に不当な差別を受けることは、あってはならない。

Unjust discrimination on the grounds of having a chronic illness must not happen.

Using 'atte wa naranai' for strong prohibition.

持病の症状が落ち着いている状態を「寛解」と呼びます。

A state in which the symptoms of a chronic illness have settled is called 'remission'.

Defining technical terms with 'to yobimasu'.

持病の悪化を懸念して、彼は海外赴任を断念した。

Concerned about the worsening of his chronic illness, he gave up on his overseas assignment.

Using 'wo kenen shite' (worrying about).

持病を抱える人々に対する社会的な支援体制の構築が急務である。

Building a social support system for people with chronic illnesses is an urgent task.

Using 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

持病の有無を問わず、誰もが安心して暮らせる社会を目指すべきだ。

We should aim for a society where everyone can live with peace of mind, regardless of whether they have a chronic illness.

Using 'wo towazu' (regardless of).

その作家の晩年の作品には、持病との飽くなき闘争が刻まれている。

The works of that author's later years are etched with an insatiable struggle against his chronic illness.

Literary style 'kizamarete iru'.

持病という「生への制約」を受け入れることで、彼は新たな境地に達した。

By accepting the 'restriction on life' that is a chronic illness, he reached a new spiritual level.

Metaphorical use of 'seiyaku'.

持病の告知義務違反は、保険契約の解除事由になり得る。

Violation of the obligation to disclose a chronic illness can be grounds for termination of an insurance contract.

Legal terminology 'kaijo jiyuu'.

持病を抱えつつも、彼は不屈の精神で未踏の領域を切り拓いた。

Despite carrying a chronic illness, he opened up unexplored territories with an indomitable spirit.

Using 'tsutsu mo' (while/despite).

持病の変遷を辿ることは、その人物の精神史を紐解くことに他ならない。

Tracing the transition of a chronic illness is nothing less than unraveling the spiritual history of that person.

Using 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing but).

持病の苦悩を昇華させ、普遍的な芸術へと変容させた。

He sublimated the suffering of his chronic illness and transformed it into universal art.

Using 'shouka' (sublimation).

持病の重圧に抗いながらも、彼は自己の使命を全うした。

While resisting the pressure of his chronic illness, he fulfilled his mission.

Using 'aragai nagara' (while resisting).

持病がもたらす孤独は、時として人間を深淵な哲学的思考へと誘う。

The loneliness brought by a chronic illness sometimes invites humans to profound philosophical thinking.

Using 'izanau' (to invite/lead).

Common Collocations

持病がある

持病が悪化する

持病を抱える

持病の薬

持病を隠す

持病を申告する

持病が出る

持病と向き合う

持病のせい

持病の再発

Common Phrases

持病はありますか？

— Do you have any chronic illnesses? (Standard medical question).

診察の前に、持病はありますかと聞かれた。

持病持ち

— A person with a chronic condition.

彼は腰痛の持病持ちだ。

持病の悪化

— Worsening of a chronic condition.

持病の悪化により休職します。

持病を抱えて

— While having/carrying a chronic illness.

持病を抱えての登山は大変だ。

持病の治療

— Treatment of a chronic illness.

持病の治療に専念する。

持病があるため

— Because I have a chronic illness...

持病があるため、運動を控えています。

持病の管理

— Management of a chronic illness.

日々の持病の管理が欠かせない。

持病の有無

— Presence or absence of chronic illness.

持病の有無を記入してください。

持病が再発する

— One's chronic illness returns/flares up.

ストレスで持病が再発した。

持病の薬を飲む

— To take medicine for a chronic illness.

毎朝、持病の薬を飲む。

Often Confused With

持病 vs 病気

General term for any sickness; 'jibyou' is specifically chronic.

持病 vs 怪我

Injury; 'jibyou' refers to internal or long-term diseases.

持病 vs 既往症

Past medical history; 'jibyou' is what you currently have.

Idioms & Expressions

"持病の種"

— A source of constant trouble or worry.

この古い機械は工場の持病の種だ。

Metaphorical

"持病が出る"

— A recurring bad habit or characteristic appears.

また彼の持病（悪い癖）が出た。

Colloquial/Metaphorical

"持病を抱える"

— To endure a long-term problem (not just medical).

この会社は赤字という持病を抱えている。

Metaphorical

"持病の痼疾"

— A deeply rooted, incurable problem.

それはこの組織の持病の痼疾だ。

Formal/Literary

"持病と付き合う"

— To accept and manage a permanent flaw or condition.

自分の短気な性格と持病のように付き合う。

Philosophical

"持病のように"

— Consistently and predictably (usually negative).

彼は持病のように遅刻する。

Informal

"持病が痛む"

— A past trouble or long-term pain resurfaces.

思い出して持病が痛むようだ。

Poetic

"持病の名を借りる"

— To use a chronic illness as an excuse.

彼は持病の名を借りて仕事をサボった。

Critical

"持病を知る"

— To understand the deep-seated problems of something.

彼はその業界の持病を知り尽くしている。

Professional

"持病を治す"

— To fix a long-standing structural problem.

社会の持病を治すのは難しい。

Political

Easily Confused

持病 vs 慢性

Both refer to long-term conditions.

慢性 is an adjective (chronic), while 持病 is a noun (chronic illness/condition).

慢性的な痛み (Chronic pain) vs 持病の痛み (Pain from my chronic illness).

持病 vs 持病

Wait, what about 'jigyou'?

Jigyou (事業) means business or project. The sounds are similar but the meanings are entirely different.

事業を始める (Start a business) vs 持病がある (Have a chronic illness).

持病 vs 疾患

Both mean illness.

疾患 is a formal medical term for 'disease/disorder'. 持病 is more personal and common.

心臓疾患 (Heart disease) vs 持病の心臓 (My chronic heart condition).

持病 vs 古傷

Both can hurt long-term.

古傷 is literally an old physical wound or metaphorically a past trauma. 持病 is a systemic illness.

古傷が痛む (My old wound aches).

持病 vs 基礎疾患

Used in the same contexts.

基礎疾患 is a technical term for 'underlying condition' used in public health (e.g., COVID priority).

基礎疾患のある方 (Those with underlying conditions).

Sentence Patterns

持病があります。

[Illness] の持病があります。

腰痛の持病があります。

[Illness] という持病があります。

糖尿病という持病があります。

持病のせいで [Negative Result]。

持病のせいで旅行に行けません。

持病を抱えながら [Action]。

持病を抱えながら子育てをしています。

持病が悪化して [Result]。

持病が悪化して入院しました。

持病の有無を問わず [Action]。

持病の有無を問わず参加できます。

持病の告知義務違反により [Result]。

持病の告知義務違反により契約が解除された。

Word Family

Nouns

持病

持病持ち

病気

慢性疾患

Verbs

持病がある

持病を抱える

患う

Adjectives

病的な

健康

治療

再発

緩和

既往歴

How to Use It

frequency

Common in health, medical, and formal personal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 持病 for a cold. → 風邪 (Kaze)
A cold is temporary; 持病 is for long-term conditions.
Writing 待病 (Wait-illness). → 持病 (Hold-illness)
The kanji for 'hold' (持) is required.
Saying '持病になった'. → 持病がある / 持病を患う
You don't 'become' a chronic illness; you 'have' one.
Using '持病' for a broken leg. → 怪我 (Kega)
Injuries are usually temporary, not chronic illnesses.
Using '持病持ち' in a very formal speech. → 持病をお持ちの方 / 持病がある方
'Mochi' is too casual for formal contexts.

Tips

Verb Choice

Always use 'ある' (existence) or '抱える' (to carry) with 持病. Avoid 'する'.

Privacy

Japanese people may be hesitant to disclose a 持病 unless it's necessary for social safety.

Don't confuse 持 and 待

持 has the 'hand' radical (扌) because you 'hold' the illness.

Specifics

It's often more natural to name the disease: '喘息の持病' instead of just '持病'.

Workplace Disclosure

If you need accommodations, '持病' is the professional way to start the conversation.

Forms

Look for the characters 持病 on any hospital intake form in Japan.

Holding onto it

Think of it as the sickness you 'hold' (持) for life.

Context Clues

If someone refuses a drink or a certain food, listen for '持病' as the reason.

慢性疾患

Use this word if you are writing a formal report about health trends.

The Box

Visualize holding a box of medicine; that 'holding' is your '持' in 持病.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

You 'HOLD' (持) the 'SICKNESS' (病) for a long time. It's your 'Holding Sickness'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person carrying a small, heavy box labeled 'Illness' everywhere they go.

Word Web

持病病院薬喘息糖尿病慢性健康管理

Challenge

Write three sentences about a fictional character who has a '持病' and how they manage it.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. The kanji '持' (hold) and '病' (illness) combined to describe a condition one carries perpetually.

Original meaning: An illness that one possesses or holds for a long duration.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be respectful when asking about someone's 持病; it is personal information. Use in professional or necessary health contexts only.

Equivalent to 'chronic condition' or 'pre-existing condition' in medical/legal contexts.

Shinzo Abe's resignation due to his 持病 (ulcerative colitis). Characters in Natsume Soseki's novels often suffer from a hidden 持病. Medical dramas like 'Doctor-X' often feature patients with complex 持病.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Intake

持病はありますか？
持病の薬を飲んでいます。
持病の名前を忘れました。
持病の履歴です。

Insurance

持病を申告する
持病があっても入れますか？
持病の告知義務
持病による不払い

Workplace

持病があるため残業できません。
持病の通院でお休みします。
持病の配慮をお願いします。
持病を報告する

Casual Social

実は持病があって...
持病のせいで食べられないんだ。
持病持ちは辛いよ。
持病と上手くやってるよ。

Disaster Preparedness

持病の薬を持ち出す
避難所に持病を伝える
持病の管理手帳
持病の予備薬

Conversation Starters

"健康のために、何か気をつけていることはありますか？"

"持病があると、旅行の準備が大変ですよね。"

"最近、持病の調子はいかがですか？"

"持病の薬を飲み忘れたことはありますか？"

"家族に持病がある人がいると、食生活が変わりますね。"

Journal Prompts

もし自分に持病があったら、どのように生活を変えますか？

持病を抱えながら働く人々について、どう思いますか？

日本の医療ドラマで、持病がどのように描かれているか書いてください。

健康であることの幸せと、持病を持つことの教訓について述べてください。

持病がある友人に、どのような言葉をかけますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, metaphorically. You can say 'それは彼の持病だ' to mean 'That's his recurring bad habit,' though it's a bit sarcastic.

Only if necessary (like a doctor or if you are planning a meal/trip). Otherwise, it's considered private information.

持病 is for everyday talk; 慢性疾患 is for medical papers and doctors.

You use '持病' or '既往症'.

Yes, asthma (喘息) is a classic example of a 持病.

Usually, '持病' implies something that is managed rather than quickly cured, but if it is completely gone, it becomes a '既往症' (past history).

It's a bit blunt. It's better to say '持病があります' when talking about yourself to others.

Yes, chronic mental health conditions can be referred to as '持病'.

It's an idiom meaning 'the root cause of a recurring problem'.

No, that is just a '病気' (sickness) or '風邪' (cold).