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A1 noun #3,212 most common 11 min read

病状

byōjō Top 3,212

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 病状 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 病状 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '病状' (byōjō) very often yourself, but you might hear it if you are in a hospital or watching a Japanese drama. Think of it simply as 'the doctor's word for sick condition.' While you might say 'I am sick' (病気です - byōki desu), a doctor might talk about your 'byōjō.' It is made of two parts: 'byō' (sick) and 'jō' (state/condition). If you are at this level, just remember that if someone says 'byōjō,' they are talking about how a sickness is going. Is it getting better? Is it getting worse? That is what 'byōjō' describes. You can use it in a very simple sentence like 'Byōjō wa dō desu ka?' which means 'How is the condition?' This is a polite way to ask about a sick person. It's better than just saying 'Are they okay?' because it shows you understand that being sick has different stages. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand that Japanese has special words for serious situations. Don't worry about the kanji too much yet, just focus on the sound 'byō-jō' and the idea of a 'medical update.' If you see it in a book, look for the 'sick' kanji (病) which looks like a person under a roof with little dots for a fever. That's your clue!

At the A2 level, you can start using '病状' (byōjō) to describe health situations more accurately. Instead of just saying someone is 'sick' (byōki), you can talk about their 'condition' (byōjō). This is very useful if you have to visit a clinic in Japan. You might hear the nurse say, 'Byōjō o oshiete kudasai,' which means 'Please tell me about the condition (of the illness).' At this level, you should learn the common pairing: 'Byōjō ga antei shite imasu' (The condition is stable). 'Stable' is a very important word in health. You can also use 'Byōjō ga yoku narimashita' (The condition became better). Using 'byōjō' instead of 'karada' (body) or 'guai' (feeling) makes you sound more mature and respectful of the situation's seriousness. You should also recognize the difference between 'byōjō' and 'shōjō' (symptoms). If you have a cough, tell the doctor your 'shōjō' is a cough. If the doctor says your 'byōjō' is improving, they mean the whole illness is going away. Practice saying 'Byōjō wa dō desu ka?' to your friends if they tell you a relative is in the hospital. It shows you are concerned in a polite, adult way. Remember, 'byō' is illness, and 'jō' is the state. So, 'byōjō' is the 'state of the illness.'

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using '病状' (byōjō) in formal and semi-formal contexts. This word is essential for discussing medical news or explaining a family member's health status to a boss or teacher. You should understand that 'byōjō' refers to the clinical progression of a disease. For instance, you might say, 'Chichi no byōjō ga akka shita node, yasumimasu' (I will take time off because my father's condition has worsened). Here, 'akka' (worsening) is a key verb that often follows 'byōjō.' You should also be aware of 'byōjō setsumei' (explanation of the medical condition), which is a common term in Japanese healthcare. At this level, you can distinguish between 'byōjō' and 'taichō.' 'Taichō' is about your daily energy and physical feeling, while 'byōjō' is about a diagnosed illness. If you have a cold, you might say your 'taichō' is bad. If you have pneumonia, the doctor monitors your 'byōjō.' Try to use 'byōjō' when the situation involves a professional diagnosis. It adds a layer of objective reporting to your Japanese. You might also encounter it in newspapers when they report on a celebrity's health. Understanding this word helps you bridge the gap between 'street Japanese' and 'professional Japanese.'

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '病状' (byōjō) and its place within the medical vocabulary. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as 'Byōjō ni awasete, chiryō hōshin ga kimerareta' (The treatment plan was decided according to the medical condition). This shows you understand how 'byōjō' acts as a variable that influences other medical decisions. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'yōdai' (condition of a patient) and know that 'yōdai' is often used for more urgent or critical changes in a person's physical state, whereas 'byōjō' is the broader term for the disease's progress. At this level, you can also use 'byōjō' in writing, such as in a formal email or a report. You should recognize that 'byōjō' is an objective noun; it doesn't carry the subjective 'suffering' of the patient, but rather the 'facts' of the illness. This distinction is important in Japanese culture, where maintaining a level of professional distance can be seen as a sign of respect and competence. You should also be able to understand more advanced collocations like 'byōjō ga kyūhen suru' (condition changes suddenly) or 'byōjō o mimamoru' (to watch/monitor the condition). Your ability to use 'byōjō' correctly in these contexts marks you as an upper-intermediate speaker who can handle serious topics with ease.

For C1 learners, '病状' (byōjō) should be a word you can use with complete precision in both spoken and written forms. You should understand the subtle differences between 'byōjō,' 'shōjō,' 'yōdai,' and 'byōtai.' While 'byōjō' is the clinical condition, 'byōtai' (pathological state) is even more technical, often used in medical research or deep clinical analysis. You should be able to discuss the 'byōjō' of a public figure or a complex medical case using sophisticated verbs like 'kaizen suru' (improve), 'suimei suru' (elucidate - used for the nature of the condition), or 'shinkoku da' (is serious). You might also explore the word's use in literature or high-level journalism, where 'byōjō' might be used metaphorically to describe a 'sick' society or a 'deteriorating' economy, though this is less common than its literal medical use. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the emotional weight the word carries. In a 'byōjō setsumei,' the way a doctor delivers the 'byōjō' can have a profound impact on the family. You should be able to navigate these high-stakes conversations with the appropriate register and honorifics. Your understanding of 'byōjō' should extend to its role in 'tōbyōki' (records of fighting an illness), where the patient's narrative of their 'byōjō' becomes a form of self-expression and community building. You are now analyzing the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a cultural and professional tool.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '病状' (byōjō) is near-native. You understand its etymological roots and its functional role in the Japanese medical-legal framework. You can use it in academic discussions about healthcare policy, medical ethics, or the history of medicine in Japan. You are aware of how the reporting of 'byōjō' has evolved with privacy laws (like the Personal Information Protection Act) and how doctors must balance transparency with confidentiality. You can pick up on the subtle implications when a medical report uses 'byōjō wa kōten shite iru' (the condition is turning for the better) versus 'kaifuku shite iru' (recovering). You can also critique the use of the word in media, noting when it is used to sensationalize or, conversely, to downplay a situation. In a professional capacity, such as translation or interpretation, you can accurately render 'byōjō' into English equivalents like 'clinical picture,' 'medical status,' or 'progression of the disease' depending on the specific context. You also understand the psychological aspect of the word—how 'byōjō' provides a structured way for Japanese people to process the chaos of illness. You see the word as part of a larger linguistic system that manages health, life, and death. Your use of 'byōjō' is not just about communication, but about navigating the intricate social and professional layers of Japanese society with absolute fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

病状 in 30 Seconds

Byōjō refers to the clinical state or progression of a diagnosed illness.
It is a formal term used primarily in medical contexts and serious news.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'stable' (antei) or 'worsen' (akka).
Different from 'shōjō' (symptoms) and 'taichō' (general physical feeling).

The Japanese word 病状 (びょうじょう - byōjō) is a formal and precise noun used to describe the clinical state, condition, or progress of a patient's illness. To understand its essence, we must look at its constituent kanji. The first character, 病 (byō), represents 'illness' or 'sickness,' while the second, 状 (jō), refers to a 'state,' 'condition,' or 'form.' Together, they encapsulate not just the fact that someone is sick, but the specific, observable characteristics and the trajectory of that sickness. It is most frequently encountered in medical settings, formal reports, and serious discussions regarding health. Unlike the more casual word 具合 (guai), which refers to one's general feeling or the 'condition' of a machine, 病状 specifically targets the pathological progression of a disease.

Clinical Precision: In a hospital setting, a doctor uses 病状 to summarize the patient's current health status. This includes whether the symptoms are stabilizing, worsening (悪化 - akka), or improving (快方 - kaihō). It is the standard term used during a 'byōjō setsumei' (explanation of the medical condition) to family members.
Formal Reporting: News broadcasts or official statements regarding the health of public figures almost exclusively use 病状. It provides a level of professional distance and accuracy that words like 病気 (illness) lack. It describes the 'what' and 'how' of the sickness over time.

医者は家族に患者の病状を詳しく説明した。
(The doctor explained the patient's condition in detail to the family.)

When using 病状, the speaker is usually looking at the illness from an analytical perspective. It is not about the subjective feeling of being 'sick' (which is often 気分が悪い - kibun ga rui), but about the objective reality of the disease's presence in the body. For example, if a patient has a fever that won't break, the 病状 is considered 'stable but serious.' If the fever drops and the patient begins to eat, the 病状 is said to be 'improving.' This word is the bridge between the biology of the disease and the communication of that biology to others.

手術後の病状は安定しています。
(The medical condition after the surgery is stable.)

In a broader cultural context, Japanese society places a high value on clear, formal communication in medical settings. Using 病状 shows respect for the gravity of the situation. It is a word that demands attention. If a colleague tells you their 病状 is serious, it is a cue to offer deep support, whereas if they say their 具合 (condition/feeling) is bad, it might just mean they have a minor headache or a cold. The word 病状 carries the weight of clinical diagnosis and the passage of time.

Common Collocations: You will often see 病状 paired with verbs like 急変する (kyūhen suru - to change suddenly for the worse), 落ち着く (ochitsuku - to settle/stabilize), or 進む (susumu - to progress/advance). These pairings help describe the dynamic nature of health.

祖父の病状が急変したと連絡があった。
(I received a call saying my grandfather's condition had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.)

Mastering the use of 病状 requires understanding its role as an objective descriptor. Because it is a noun, it often functions as the subject of a sentence or as the object of a verb involving observation or explanation. It is almost never used for minor, temporary discomforts. You wouldn't use 病状 to describe a paper cut or a 10-minute sneeze; it is reserved for 'illnesses' (病) that have a 'state' (状) worth monitoring.

Describing Stability: The most common way to use 病状 is with the verb 安定する (antei suru). This indicates that the patient is not getting worse, which is often the first piece of good news in a medical crisis. It suggests a plateau in the disease's progression.
Describing Progression: When an illness is moving through its stages, we use 病状が進む (byōjō ga susumu). This can be neutral but often implies that a chronic condition is entering a new, perhaps more serious, phase. It is a factual observation of the disease's lifecycle.

今のところ、彼の病状に変化はありません。
(For now, there is no change in his medical condition.)

In a sentence, 病状 often acts as the target of inquiry. If you are asking about someone who is hospitalized, you might ask, '病状はどうですか？' (How is the medical condition?). This is a polite, serious way to ask for an update. It focuses on the medical reality rather than asking 'How do they feel?', which might be answered with 'They are tired.' Asking about the 病状 seeks information about the recovery process.

薬のおかげで、父の病状は少しずつ良くなっています。
(Thanks to the medicine, my father's condition is gradually improving.)

Another important usage is in the compound 病状説明 (byōjō setsumei). In Japanese hospitals, this is a formal event where the medical team meets with the family to provide a comprehensive update. It is a crucial part of the Japanese medical experience, emphasizing transparency and collective family responsibility. The word 病状 here acts as a formal header for the entire clinical picture, including test results, prognosis, and treatment plans.

Subject vs. Object: As a subject: 病状が深刻だ (The condition is serious). As an object: 病状を見守る (To watch/monitor the condition). Notice how the word remains the anchor of the medical context in both cases.

医師は、患者の病状に合わせて治療方針を決めた。
(The doctor decided on a treatment plan according to the patient's medical condition.)

Finally, consider the nuances of 'worsening.' While 悪化 (akka) is standard, for very critical situations, the word 重篤 (jūtoku) might be used to describe the 病状. '病状が重篤である' means the condition is life-threatening. This illustrates how 病状 serves as a scale upon which medical severity is measured, from 軽快 (keikai - light/improving) to 重篤 (jūtoku - critical).

If you spend time in Japan, you will encounter 病状 in four primary environments: the hospital, the news, the workplace, and within the family circle. It is a word that signals a shift from casual conversation to a serious discussion about health. Understanding these contexts will help you gauge the appropriate level of concern when you hear it.

In the Hospital (Byōin): This is the natural home of the word. You will hear it over the PA system, read it on medical charts (カルテ - karute), and hear it from the mouths of nurses and doctors. It is the professional standard. When a nurse asks, '昨晩の病状はどうでしたか？' (How was the condition last night?), they are looking for specific medical observations, not just a 'fine' or 'bad.'
On the News (Nyūsu): When a famous actor, athlete, or politician falls ill, the media provides updates on their 病状. This is because 病状 is an objective term that avoids prying too deeply into personal feelings while providing the public with the necessary facts about their ability to work or perform duties.

ニュースで、首相の病状が報道された。
(The Prime Minister's medical condition was reported on the news.)

In the workplace, 病状 is used when discussing leaves of absence or return-to-work plans. A manager might ask for a doctor's note that outlines the 病状 to determine if the employee needs special accommodations. Here, the word acts as a legal and professional buffer. It focuses on the 'state of illness' as it relates to job performance, rather than the personal suffering of the employee. It is a way to keep the conversation professional yet empathetic.

部長に、入院中の社員の病状を報告した。
(I reported the medical condition of the hospitalized employee to the department manager.)

Within the family, the word is used when the situation is grave. If a family member says, 'お父さんの病状が心配だ' (I'm worried about Dad's condition), it implies something more than a common cold. It suggests a diagnosis has been made and the family is watching the progress of a specific disease. It is a word that brings the family together in a shared state of vigilance. It is also used when relaying information from the doctor to other relatives who couldn't be at the hospital.

Social Media and Blogs: You might also see this word in 'tōbyōki' (records of fighting an illness) blogs, where patients document their daily 病状. It serves as a tag or a heading for their daily health logs, helping others with similar conditions follow their progress.

彼女はブログで自分の病状をありのままに綴っている。
(She writes about her medical condition exactly as it is on her blog.)

While 病状 is a straightforward medical term, English speakers often trip up by using it in contexts where more casual or specific words are required. The most common error is treating it as a synonym for 'feeling' or 'symptom.' To use 病状 correctly, you must maintain its clinical and progressive nuance.

Mistake 1: Using it for 'Symptoms': If you have a cough, that is a 症状 (shōjō - symptom), not a 病状 (byōjō). You would not say 'My byōjō is a cough.' You would say 'My shōjō is a cough.' The byōjō is the sum of all symptoms and their progress. Think of symptoms as the pieces and byōjō as the whole puzzle.
Mistake 2: Using it for Casual 'Feeling': If you are feeling a bit tired or have a slight headache, you should use 具合 (guai) or 体調 (taichō). Saying 'My byōjō is bad' after a long day at work sounds like you are being treated for a chronic illness. It is too heavy for everyday fatigue.

× 今日の病状はどう？
○ 今日の体調はどう？
(Correcting 'How is your medical condition today?' to 'How is your physical condition/health today?')

Another mistake involves the verb pairings. Since 病状 is a noun of state, it doesn't 'do' things on its own. It 'is' a certain way or it 'changes.' A common error is using active verbs that don't fit. For example, you don't 'heal' a 病状 (you heal the 病気); rather, the 病状 'improves' (改善する) or 'recovers' (回復する). Keeping the subject-verb logic straight is key to sounding natural.

風邪の症状はありますが、病状は重くありません。
(I have cold symptoms, but the overall medical condition is not serious.)

Finally, be careful with the level of formality. Using 病状 in a very casual setting, like with a close friend who just has a hangover, can come across as sarcastic or overly dramatic. It’s like saying 'What is the clinical progression of your intoxication?' instead of 'How's your head?'. Save 病状 for times when medical accuracy and seriousness are paramount. In summary: use shōjō for specific signs, taichō for daily health, and byōjō for the clinical arc of a diagnosed illness.

Summary of Misuse: 1. Confusing with symptoms (shōjō). 2. Using for minor ailments. 3. Using in overly casual social situations. 4. Incorrect verb collocations (e.g., trying to 'cure' a condition instead of 'improving' it).

The Japanese language has a rich vocabulary for health and illness, and choosing the right word depends on whether you are focusing on the feeling, the symptom, or the clinical state. While 病状 is the 'clinical state,' let's look at its closest neighbors to see where the boundaries lie.

容体 (Yōdai): This is perhaps the closest synonym to 病状. 容体 specifically refers to the condition of a patient, often used when the situation is critical or changing rapidly. While 病状 is a bit more general about the illness, 容体 focuses on the physical appearance and immediate state of the person. You often hear '容体が急変した' (The condition changed suddenly) in emergency contexts.
症状 (Shōjō): As mentioned before, this refers to specific symptoms. Fever, cough, and dizziness are 症状. The 病状 is the 'big picture' composed of these symptoms over time. If the 症状 (symptoms) get worse, the 病状 (condition) is said to be deteriorating.

患者の容体は依然として予断を許さない状況だ。
(The patient's condition still remains unpredictable.)

Then we have 具合 (guai) and 体調 (taichō). 具合 is the most versatile word, used for health, machines, and general situations. It's the 'go-to' word for 'How are you feeling?'. 体調 is slightly more focused on the body's physical rhythm and energy levels. You might have 'bad taichō' because you didn't sleep well, but you wouldn't have a 'bad byōjō' unless you were actually ill.

主な症状は発熱と倦怠感です。
(The main symptoms are fever and fatigue.)

For academic or very formal medical writing, you might encounter 病態 (byōtai). This is a very technical term referring to the 'pathological state' or the mechanisms of the disease. While 病状 is used to talk to families and on the news, 病態 is used among doctors to discuss the underlying biological processes. Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate Japanese medical conversations with high emotional and professional intelligence.

When to use what?: Use 病状 when you want to sound informed and serious about a diagnosis. Use 容体 if there is an urgent change. Use 症状 if you are listing what hurts. Use 体調 for everyday health updates.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"患者様の病状は現在、非常に安定しております。"

Neutral

"彼の病状はどうですか？"

Informal

"病状、どう？"

Child friendly

"おじいちゃんの病気、今はどうかな？"

Slang

"病状ヤバい。"

Fun Fact

The '状' kanji originally depicted a dog being offered as a sacrifice to determine the 'form' or 'state' of things in ancient rituals. Now it just means 'condition'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK bjɔːdʒɔː

US bjoʊdʒoʊ

Flat pitch (Heiban style), but often the 'jo' is slightly lower in casual speech.

Rhymes With

Kōjō (factory) Hōjō (fertile) Dōjō (dojo) Sōjō (stratified) Yōjō (care for health) Chōjō (summit) Kōjō (improvement) Hōjō (assistance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'byo' as two syllables (bi-yo). It should be one.
Shortening the long 'o' sounds (byojo instead of byōjō).
Confusing the 'j' sound with a 'z' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable like English 'BE-yo-jo'.
Failing to elongate the vowels.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require knowing the 'sick' radical.

Writing 4/5

The kanji '状' can be tricky to write correctly for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you master the long 'o'.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病気 (Byōki) 状態 (Jōtai) 医者 (Isha) 病院 (Byōin) 体 (Karada)

Learn Next

症状 (Shōjō) 容体 (Yōdai) 回復 (Kaifuku) 悪化 (Akka) 診断 (Shindan)

Advanced

病態生理 (Pathophysiology) 予後 (Prognosis) 寛解 (Remission) 重篤 (Critical condition) 小康 (Temporary stability)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に合わせて (Ni awasete)

病状に合わせて薬を変える。(Change the medicine according to the condition.)

Noun + に関する (Ni kansuru)

病状に関する質問。(Questions regarding the condition.)

Verb + ように (Yō ni) for purpose

病状が悪化しないように気をつける。(Be careful so the condition doesn't worsen.)

Noun + の結果 (No kekka)

検査の結果、病状がわかった。(As a result of the test, the condition was understood.)

Noun + が + Verb (Intransitive)

病状が安定する。(The condition stabilizes.)

Examples by Level

病状はどうですか。

How is the (medical) condition?

Simple question using the particle 'wa' for the topic.

病状はいいです。

The condition is good.

Using a simple adjective 'ii' to describe the condition.

病状はよくないです。

The condition is not good.

Negative form of 'ii' (yokunai).

先生、病状を教えてください。

Doctor, please tell me the condition.

Using 'o oshiete kudasai' for a polite request.

病状は安定しています。

The condition is stable.

The verb 'antei suru' in the te-iru form for a continuous state.

彼の病状が心配です。

I am worried about his condition.

Using 'ga shinpai desu' to express worry about a subject.

病状に変化はありません。

There is no change in the condition.

Using 'ni' to indicate the location of the change (or lack thereof).

母の病状は少しよくなりました。

My mother's condition became a little better.

Using 'yoku narimashita' for a change in state.

医師から病状の説明を受けました。

I received an explanation of the condition from the doctor.

Using 'kara' (from) and 'o ukeru' (to receive).

病状が急に悪化しました。

The condition suddenly worsened.

The adverb 'kyū ni' (suddenly) modifying the verb 'akka suru'.

この薬で病状が落ち着くでしょう。

The condition will probably settle down with this medicine.

Using 'deshō' for a polite conjecture.

毎日の病状をノートに書きます。

I write the daily condition in a notebook.

Using 'mainichi no' as an adjective for 'byōjō'.

手術後の病状は順調です。

The condition after surgery is going well.

The word 'junchō' (smooth/favorable) describing the state.

病状が悪くならないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful so that the condition doesn't get worse.

Using 'yō ni' to express a purpose or goal.

病状について質問があります。

I have a question about the condition.

Using 'ni tsuite' to mean 'about' or 'concerning'.

昨日より病状がよくなっていますか。

Is the condition better than yesterday?

Using 'yori' for comparison.

患者の病状は一進一退を繰り返している。

The patient's condition is constantly fluctuating (alternating between improvement and decline).

The four-character idiom 'isshin-ittai' (one step forward, one step back).

病状が深刻なので、家族を呼んでください。

The condition is serious, so please call the family.

Using 'node' to provide a reason for the request.

検査の結果、病状がかなり進んでいることがわかった。

As a result of the tests, it was found that the condition has progressed considerably.

Using 'koto ga wakatta' to indicate a discovery.

病状に合わせて、薬の量を調整します。

We will adjust the amount of medicine according to the condition.

Using 'ni awasete' for 'in accordance with'.

病状が回復に向かっているのは喜ばしいことです。

It is a happy thing that the condition is heading toward recovery.

Using 'ni mukatte iru' to show a direction of progress.

詳しい病状は、明日の説明会でお話しします。

I will talk about the detailed condition at tomorrow's briefing.

Using the humble form 'ohanashi shimasu'.

病状を悪化させないためには、安静が必要です。

In order not to worsen the condition, rest is necessary.

Using the causative form 'akka saseru' (to make it worsen).

彼の病状は、当初の予想よりもずっと重かった。

His condition was much more serious than initially expected.

Using 'yori mo zutto' for emphasis in comparison.

医師は、病状の推移を慎重に見守っている。

The doctor is carefully monitoring the progression of the condition.

The noun 'suii' refers to changes or transitions over time.

病状が回復したとはいえ、まだ油断はできない。

Even though the condition has recovered, we cannot let our guard down yet.

Using 'to wa ie' to mean 'although' or 'even though'.

病状に関する正確な情報を得ることが重要だ。

It is important to obtain accurate information regarding the condition.

Using 'ni kansuru' for 'related to' or 'regarding'.

適切な治療のおかげで、病状は劇的に改善した。

Thanks to appropriate treatment, the condition improved dramatically.

The adverb 'gekiteki ni' (dramatically) modifying 'kaizen shita'.

病状が安定しないため、退院は延期された。

Because the condition is not stable, the discharge from the hospital was postponed.

Using the passive voice 'enki sareta' (was postponed).

病状の悪化を防ぐために、最新の医療技術が投入された。

To prevent the condition from worsening, the latest medical technology was deployed.

Using 'fusegu tame ni' (in order to prevent).

病状の変化を見逃さないよう、24時間体制で看護する。

Nursing is provided 24 hours a day so as not to miss any change in the condition.

Using 'minogasanai yō' (so as not to overlook).

病状が好転する兆しが見えてきた。

Signs that the condition is taking a turn for the better have begun to appear.

The noun 'kizashi' means 'sign' or 'indication'.

病状の記述には、客観的なデータが不可欠である。

Objective data is indispensable for the description of a medical condition.

Using 'fukaketsu' for 'indispensable' or 'essential'.

病状が極めて重篤な状態に陥っている。

The medical condition has fallen into an extremely critical state.

Using the formal term 'jūtoku' (critical) and the verb 'ochiiru' (to fall into).

病状の推移を詳細に記録したカルテが残っている。

There are medical records that documented the progression of the condition in detail.

The relative clause 'byōjō no suii o shōsai ni kiroku shita' modifies 'karute'.

病状の改善が見られない場合、別の治療法を検討する。

If no improvement in the condition is seen, we will consider alternative treatments.

Using 'baai' to set a condition or hypothetical situation.

病状の把握が遅れたことが、今回の事態を招いた。

The delay in grasping the medical condition led to the current situation.

Using 'o maneita' to mean 'brought about' or 'caused'.

病状について、本人にどこまで告知するかは難しい問題だ。

How much to inform the patient themselves about their condition is a difficult problem.

Using 'kokuchi' for 'notification' or 'disclosure' of a diagnosis.

病状の変動が激しく、予断を許さない状況が続いている。

The fluctuations in the condition are severe, and the situation remains unpredictable.

The phrase 'yodan o yurusanai' is a common idiom for 'unpredictable'.

病状が徐々に快方に向かっていることが確認された。

It was confirmed that the condition is gradually heading toward recovery.

Using 'kaihō' (recovery/convalescence) in a formal context.

病状の変遷を辿ることで、疾患の特異性が浮き彫りになった。

By tracing the transition of the medical condition, the specificity of the disease was highlighted.

Using 'ukibori ni natta' for 'became clear/highlighted'.

病状の推移は、個々の体質や生活習慣に大きく左右される。

The progression of a medical condition is greatly influenced by individual constitution and lifestyle habits.

Using 'sayū sareru' for 'to be influenced/governed by'.

病状の悪化を食い止めるべく、多角的なアプローチが試みられた。

In order to halt the worsening of the condition, a multilateral approach was attempted.

Using 'beku' as a formal way to express 'in order to'.

病状が安定期に入ったとはいえ、継続的な観察が不可欠である。

Although the condition has entered a stable phase, continuous observation is indispensable.

Using 'anteiki' for 'stable period/phase'.

病状の推移に関する詳細なデータが、新薬の開発に寄与した。

Detailed data regarding the progression of the condition contributed to the development of the new drug.

Using 'ni kiyo shita' for 'contributed to'.

病状の告知は、患者の精神状態を十分に考慮した上で行われるべきだ。

Disclosure of the medical condition should be carried out after fully considering the patient's mental state.

Using 'shita ue de' for 'after doing... (and based on that)'.

病状の推移を予測することは、現代医学においてもなお困難を極める。

Predicting the progression of a medical condition remains extremely difficult even in modern medicine.

Using 'konnan o kiwameru' for 'to be extremely difficult'.

病状の僅かな変化が、治療の成否を分けることもある。

A slight change in the condition can sometimes determine the success or failure of the treatment.

Using 'seihai o wakeru' for 'to determine success or failure'.

Synonyms

容態具合病勢健康状態コンディション

Antonyms

健康快方

Common Collocations

病状が安定する

病状が悪化する

病状を説明する

病状に変化がない

病状が改善する

病状が深刻だ

病状を見守る

病状が好転する

病状が進む

病状が急変する

Common Phrases

病状説明 (Byōjō setsumei)

— A formal explanation of a patient's condition by a doctor.

午後から病状説明があります。

病状報告 (Byōjō hōkoku)

— A report regarding a medical condition.

会社に病状報告を提出する。

病状の推移 (Byōjō no suii)

— The progression or transition of the medical condition.

病状の推移をグラフにする。

病状把握 (Byōjō haoku)

— Grasping or understanding the medical condition.

的確な病状把握が必要だ。

病状管理 (Byōjō kanri)

— Management of a medical condition.

在宅での病状管理を行う。

病状に応じた (Byōjō ni ōjita)

— In response to or depending on the condition.

病状に応じた食事を作る。

病状の悪化を招く (Byōjō no akka o maneku)

— To lead to a worsening of the condition.

無理をすると病状の悪化を招く。

病状を伝える (Byōjō o tsutaeru)

— To convey the medical condition to someone.

電話で家族に病状を伝えた。

病状が重い (Byōjō ga omoi)

— The condition is heavy/serious.

病状が重いので入院する。

病状が軽い (Byōjō ga karui)

— The condition is light/mild.

幸い、病状は軽かった。

Often Confused With

病状 vs 症状 (Shōjō)

English speakers often say 'byōjō' when they mean 'shōjō' (symptoms like cough/fever).

病状 vs 体調 (Taichō)

Using 'byōjō' for a minor lack of sleep or hangover is too heavy; use 'taichō'.

病状 vs 容体 (Yōdai)

These are similar, but 'yōdai' is more about the person's physical state right now, especially in emergencies.

Idioms & Expressions

"一進一退 (Isshin ittai)"

— Taking one step forward and one step back; fluctuating.

病状は一進一退を繰り返している。

Formal/Literary

"予断を許さない (Yodan o yurusanai)"

— Unpredictable; not allowing for any premature judgment.

病状は依然として予断を許さない。

Formal/Medical

"峠を越す (Tōge o kosu)"

— To pass the critical point (literal: cross the mountain pass).

病状はようやく峠を越した。

Neutral

"快方に向かう (Kaihō ni mukau)"

— To head toward recovery.

病状は着実に快方に向かっている。

Formal

"急変を告げる (Kyūhen o tsugeru)"

— To signal a sudden change (usually for the worse).

病状が急変を告げた。

Literary

"小康状態 (Shōkō jōtai)"

— A state of temporary stability in a serious illness.

病状は現在、小康状態にある。

Formal/Medical

"予後が悪い (Yogo ga rui)"

— The prognosis is poor.

この病状では予後が悪いとされる。

Medical

"息を吹き返す (Iki o fukikaesu)"

— To revive or come back to life (metaphorically for recovery).

絶望的だった病状から息を吹き返した。

Neutral

"命を取り留める (Inochi o toritomeru)"

— To escape death; to survive a critical condition.

深刻な病状だったが、命を取り留めた。

Neutral

"暗雲が立ち込める (An'un ga tachikomeru)"

— Dark clouds gather (metaphorically for a worsening condition).

病状に暗雲が立ち込めてきた。

Literary

Easily Confused

病状 vs 病気 (Byōki)

Both mean 'illness'.

Byōki is the name of the sickness; Byōjō is the status/progress of that sickness.

癌という病気だが、現在の病状は安定している。(It's an illness called cancer, but the current condition is stable.)

病状 vs 気分 (Kibun)

Both relate to how one is.

Kibun is subjective 'feeling' or 'mood'; Byōjō is objective 'medical state'.

病状はいいが、気分は落ち込んでいる。(The medical condition is good, but the mood is depressed.)

病状 vs 状況 (Jōkyō)

Both contain 'jō' (state).

Jōkyō is general 'situation'; Byōjō is specific 'illness condition'.

病状を含めた、全体の状況を説明する。(Explain the whole situation, including the medical condition.)

病状 vs 具合 (Guai)

Both translate to 'condition'.

Guai is used for health and machines; Byōjō is only for serious illness.

パソコンの具合が悪い。(The PC is in bad condition.)

病状 vs 健康 (Kenkō)

Both are about health.

Kenkō is the positive state of health; Byōjō implies the presence of an illness.

健康を維持するために、病状をチェックする。(To maintain health, check the medical condition.)

Sentence Patterns

病状は[Adj]です。

病状はいいです。

病状が[Verb-te]います。

病状が安定しています。

[Noun]の病状が[Verb-past]。

父の病状が悪化した。

病状に合わせて[Action]。

病状に合わせて薬を飲む。

病状の推移を[Verb]。

病状の推移を見守る。

病状の[Noun]が[Verb-passive]。

病状の悪化が懸念される。

All

病状はどうですか？

All

病状に変化はない。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and news contexts, rare in casual daily chatter unless someone is seriously ill.

Common Mistakes

Using byōjō for symptoms. → 症状 (Shōjō)
You don't say 'My byōjō is a headache.' You say 'My shōjō is a headache.'
Using byōjō for general health. → 体調 (Taichō)
If you are just tired, use 'taichō ga rui.' 'Byōjō' implies a diagnosed sickness.
Shortening the vowels. → Byōjō (long o)
Saying 'byojo' might be misunderstood or sound unnatural. Keep the 'o' sounds long.
Using it sarcastically for minor things. → 具合 (Guai)
Using 'byōjō' for a tiny cut sounds weirdly dramatic in Japanese.
Confusing with 'Byōnin'. → 病状 (Byōjō)
Byōnin is a sick 'person.' Byōjō is the 'condition.' Don't say 'The person is improving' when you mean 'The condition is improving.'

Tips

Think Hospital

Whenever you are in a hospital or clinic, default to 'byōjō' when talking about the illness itself to sound professional.

Pair with Akka/Antei

Memorize 'byōjō ga akka' (worsen) and 'byōjō ga antei' (stable) as set phrases. They are used 80% of the time.

Byōjō vs Shōjō

Remember: Shōjō = Symptom (cough). Byōjō = Condition (the whole sick state). Don't mix them up!

Family First

In Japan, the 'byōjō' is often shared with the family before the patient. Be prepared for this if you are a caregiver.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'jō' (状) is also in 'jōtai' (condition). Learn it once, use it in many words!

News Keywords

When you hear 'byōjō' on the news, get ready for a status update about a famous person.

Polite Inquiry

Asking 'Byōjō wa ikaga desu ka?' is a very respectful way to show you care about someone's serious illness.

Word Family

Relate 'byōjō' to 'byōin' (hospital) and 'byōki' (illness) to keep the 'byō' group together in your head.

Visual Chart

Visualize a medical chart with 'Byōjō' written at the top. This helps link the word to its clinical setting.

Formal only

Avoid using 'byōjō' for minor things like a small scratch; it makes you sound like you are exaggerating.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'BYO' as 'Beyond' (the illness is beyond just a feeling) and 'JO' as 'Journal' (doctors journal the state of the illness).

Visual Association

Imagine a hospital chart with a line graph moving up and down. That graph is the 'byōjō'.

Word Web

Hospital Doctor Chart Symptoms Recovery Worsening Medicine Patient

Challenge

Try to explain a character's health in a movie you watched using 'byōjō' instead of just 'byōki'.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It combines '病' (illness) and '状' (condition/form).

Original meaning: The form or appearance of an illness.

Sino-Japanese (Kanbun origin).

Cultural Context

Always use 'byōjō' with respect. Do not use it for light-hearted jokes about someone being 'sick' (crazy).

In English, we might just say 'how they are doing' or 'medical status.' 'Byōjō' is more formal than 'how they are.'

Tōbyōki (Illness fighting records) are a popular genre of literature in Japan. The phrase 'Byōjō wa antei' is a staple of NHK news. Hospital dramas like 'Doctor X' use this word constantly.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Visit

病状はどうですか？
病状の説明をお願いします。
病状は安定しています。
病状が悪化しました。

News Report

病状が報道された。
病状は深刻です。
病状の推移を見守る。
病状は快方に向かっている。

Workplace Absence

病状報告書を提出します。
病状により休みます。
病状が回復しました。
病状を考慮してください。

Family Meeting

父の病状が心配だ。
病状をみんなに伝える。
先生に病状を聞く。
病状が変わったら教えて。

Health Diary

今日の病状を書く。
病状の変化を記録する。
病状が良くなってきた。
病状をチェックする。

Conversation Starters

"入院されているご家族の病状はいかがですか？ (How is the medical condition of your hospitalized family member?)"

"最近、病状に変化はありましたか？ (Have there been any changes in the medical condition recently?)"

"医師からの病状説明はもう受けましたか？ (Have you already received the explanation of the condition from the doctor?)"

"ニュースで見たあの有名人の病状、心配ですね。 (I'm worried about the condition of that celebrity I saw on the news.)"

"病状が安定して本当によかったですね。 (It's really good that the condition has stabilized.)"

Journal Prompts

もし家族が病気になったら、どのように病状を記録しますか？ (If a family member got sick, how would you record their condition?)

ニュースで病状の報道を聞くとき、何に注目しますか？ (When you hear reports about a medical condition on the news, what do you pay attention to?)

自分の体調と「病状」という言葉の違いについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about the difference between your own daily health and the word 'byōjō'.)

病院で病状説明を受けるとき、どんな質問をしたいですか？ (What kind of questions would you want to ask when receiving an explanation of a medical condition at a hospital?)

病状が改善したときの気持ちを想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about how you would feel when a medical condition improves.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very formal. Usually, for a cold, you would use 'shōjō' (symptoms) or 'guai' (condition). Use 'byōjō' if you are talking to a doctor or if the cold is very serious.

It is a formal meeting in a Japanese hospital where a doctor explains the patient's condition, treatment, and prognosis to the family. It is a very important part of Japanese medical culture.

You can ask 'Byōjō wa dō desu ka?' or more politely 'Byōjō wa ikaga desu ka?'. This is the standard way to ask about a sick person's progress.

Yes, it can be used for the state of a mental illness, such as depression or schizophrenia, in a clinical context.

'Akka suru' means to worsen. 'Yoku naru' means to get better. Doctors often use 'kaizen suru' instead of 'yoku naru' in formal reports.

Yes, veterinarians use 'byōjō' to describe the condition of sick pets or livestock.

Yes, if you are giving a serious update about someone's health. For a quick 'I have a headache,' it's too formal.

It means the illness is not progressing or getting worse. It often means the patient is out of immediate danger, even if they aren't fully 'cured' yet.

Usually, 'kega no jōtai' (state of the injury) is used for physical trauma, but 'byōjō' can be used if the injury leads to a broader medical condition or illness.

Because it is an objective, respectful term that protects the privacy of the person's feelings while informing the public of their health status.