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B2 adjective 7 min read

重篤な

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 重篤な in 30 Seconds

Explanation 重篤な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '重篤な' (jūtokuna) yourself. It is a very difficult word with complex kanji. Instead, you should focus on simple words for being sick, like '病気' (byōki - sick) or '大変' (taihen - serious/tough). If you see '重篤な', just know it means 'very, very sick' or 'in the hospital and in danger'. You might see the first kanji '重' which you know from '重い' (omoi - heavy). Think of it as a 'heavy illness'. For now, stick to 'ひどい病気' (hidoi byōki - a terrible illness) to express similar ideas. You will mostly encounter this word if you are watching a Japanese TV show about doctors or reading a very serious news report. Don't worry about writing it yet; just recognize that it is much more serious than a normal cold or a stomach ache.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to understand more specific descriptions. '重篤な' (jūtokuna) is a formal way to say 'critical condition'. You might hear it on the news. Remember that '重' (jū) means heavy, and in Japanese, a 'heavy' illness is a serious one. A common phrase is '重篤な状態' (jūtokuna jōtai), which means 'critical condition'. If you are talking about someone who is very sick, you might use '重症' (jūshō) which is slightly easier, but '重篤' is what a doctor would say if the situation is life-threatening. You should be able to recognize this word in a sentence and understand that it is a medical emergency. You don't need to use it in daily conversation, as it sounds very professional and a bit scary. If a friend tells you someone is 'jūtokuna', you should understand that the situation is very grave and they are likely in the ICU.

At the B1 level, you are moving into more nuanced vocabulary. '重篤な' (jūtokuna) is a 'na-adjective' used primarily in medical and news contexts. It is important to distinguish this from '重大な' (jūdai na), which means 'important' or 'serious' in a general sense (like a serious mistake), and '深刻な' (shinkokuna), which is used for serious social problems. '重篤な' is specifically for life-threatening medical states. You should be able to read this word in news articles about accidents or health. For example, '彼は重篤な状態に陥った' (He fell into a critical condition). Notice how it often pairs with nouns like '状態' (jōtai - condition) or '症状' (shōjō - symptom). Understanding this word helps you grasp the severity of a situation without needing a full medical explanation. It is a key word for understanding the 'gravity' of news reporting in Japan.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '重篤な' (jūtokuna) in formal writing or when discussing serious topics like medical ethics, news events, or pharmaceutical safety. You should understand the difference between '重症' (severe illness) and '重篤' (critical/life-threatening). '重篤' implies that vital organs may be failing or that the patient's life is in immediate jeopardy. You will see this word in '添付文書' (drug package inserts) describing '重篤な副作用' (severe side effects). At this level, you should also be aware of the kanji: 重 (heavy) and 篤 (serious/sincere). The kanji 篤 is not very common outside of this word and '篤実' (sincere), so it is a good one to memorize for higher-level reading. You should be able to use the word in a sentence like '新薬の投与後、重篤なアレルギー反応が見られた' (After administering the new drug, a critical allergic reaction was observed).

For C1 learners, '重篤な' (jūtokuna) is a standard part of your professional vocabulary. You should recognize its use in legal contexts, such as determining the level of medical negligence or insurance payouts. You should also be able to distinguish it from '危篤' (kitoku). While '重篤' is a medical description of a state, '危篤' is often used to describe the moment when a person is expected to pass away shortly, often used in the phrase '危篤状態になる' to signal to the family to gather. C1 learners should also be aware of the academic usage of the word in medical journals or sociology papers discussing end-of-life care. You can use it to describe systemic failures in a metaphorical sense in very high-level literature, though this is rare. Mastery at this level involves knowing exactly which 'serious' word (深刻, 重大, 重症, 重篤, 致命的) fits the specific nuance of the sentence.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the medical, legal, and social implications of the term '重篤な' (jūtokuna). You understand the historical development of the term and its kanji. You can use it with precision in high-level debates about medical resource allocation (e.g., '重篤な患者へのリソース配分'). You are also aware of how the term is used to categorize data in public health statistics and clinical trials. You can interpret the subtle emotional weight the word carries when used by a physician communicating with a family versus its clinical use in a research paper. At this level, you might also explore the use of the kanji '篤' in classical or older Japanese texts to see how the meaning of 'serious/deep' evolved into the modern medical sense of 'critical'. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, used only when the specific clinical gravity of 'critical' is required.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

重篤な in 30 Seconds

重篤な (jūtokuna) is a formal Japanese medical term meaning 'critical' or 'life-threateningly severe'.
It is used almost exclusively for physical health and medical conditions, not for social or general problems.
Commonly paired with nouns like 状態 (condition), 副作用 (side effects), and 症状 (symptoms).
It is a 'na-adjective' (形容動詞) and is frequently heard in news reports and medical dramas.

The Japanese word 重篤な (jūtokuna) is a specialized adjectival noun (na-adjective) that translates most accurately to 'critical' or 'extremely severe' within a medical context. It is composed of two kanji: 重 (jū), meaning heavy or serious, and 篤 (toku), which conveys the sense of being serious, deep, or chronic. Unlike general words for 'serious' like 深刻 (shinkoku) or 重大 (jūdai), jūtokuna is almost exclusively reserved for life-threatening physical conditions or severe medical complications.

Medical Severity: This word describes a state where a patient's life is in immediate danger. In a hospital setting, a '重篤な状態' (jūtokuna jōtai) is the highest level of concern, often requiring intensive care (ICU) and constant monitoring. It suggests that the body's vital functions are failing or under extreme stress.

事故で運ばれた男性は、現在も重篤な状態が続いています。

The man brought in after the accident remains in a critical condition.

When you hear this word on the news, it signifies a grave situation. It is not used for a common cold, a broken leg (unless it leads to systemic failure), or emotional distress. It is a clinical term that carries the weight of life and death. Understanding this word is crucial for reading medical reports, listening to news about disasters or accidents, and following high-stakes medical dramas in Japanese media.

Etymological Nuance: The kanji 篤 is also found in 篤実 (tokujitsu), meaning sincere. In the context of illness, it implies the illness has 'settled in deeply' or is 'sincerely heavy,' leaving no room for quick recovery without intensive intervention.

新薬の治験中に、数名に重篤な副作用が確認された。

Severe side effects were confirmed in several individuals during the clinical trial of the new drug.

In summary, use jūtokuna when the stakes are at their highest. It is a formal, objective, and heavy word that demands respect and immediate attention in any conversation or text where it appears.

Using 重篤な (jūtokuna) correctly requires an understanding of its specific collocations. Because it is a 'na-adjective' (形容動詞), it typically precedes a noun with 'na' or follows a subject with 'da/desu'. However, it is most frequently seen modifying nouns like 状態 (condition), 副作用 (side effects), or 疾患 (disease).

Common Pattern: [Noun] + は + 重篤だ: This is used to state the severity of someone's condition directly. Example: '患者の病状は極めて重篤です' (The patient's condition is extremely critical).

そのウイルスは、高齢者に対して重篤な症状を引き起こす可能性がある。

The virus has the potential to cause critical symptoms in the elderly.

Another key usage is in medical documentation or warnings. When pharmaceutical companies list potential risks, they distinguish between 'mild side effects' and '重篤な副作用'. If a side effect is labeled '重篤', it means it could lead to hospitalization, disability, or death.

Combining with Adverbs: To emphasize the gravity, adverbs like '極めて' (kiwamete - extremely) or '非常に' (hijō ni - very) are often used. '極めて重篤な' is a standard phrase in news reports for someone in the most dangerous stage of medical instability.

集中治療室で、重篤な肺炎の治療が行われている。

Treatment for critical pneumonia is being carried out in the intensive care unit.

When writing, remember that '重篤' is a formal term. In professional emails or medical reports, it provides the necessary gravity that words like 'ひどい' (hidoi - terrible) or '重い' (omoi - heavy) lack. It is precise, clinical, and serious.

The word 重篤な (jūtokuna) is not a word for the dinner table; it is a word for the hospital corridor and the newsroom. You will encounter it in specific professional and public domains where precision regarding health and safety is paramount.

Broadcast News (Hōdō): In the aftermath of a natural disaster, a major car accident, or a public health crisis (like a pandemic), news anchors use '重篤' to categorize victims. It helps the public understand the scale of the tragedy without needing a detailed medical breakdown of each person's injuries.

ニュースキャスター:「怪我人のうち、二人が重篤な状態です。」

News Anchor: 'Among the injured, two are in critical condition.'

Medical Dramas and Literature: Japan has a rich genre of medical television shows (like 'Code Blue' or 'Doctor-X'). In these shows, doctors often shout '重篤だ!' (It's critical!) or discuss '重篤な症例' (critical cases) during surgery or emergency room scenes. This adds a layer of realism and tension to the dialogue.

Pharmaceutical Warnings: If you read the 'Instructions for Use' (添付文書) of any Japanese medication, the section on 'Adverse Effects' (副作用) will distinguish between minor issues and '重篤な副作用' (serious/critical side effects) that require immediate medical attention.

万が一、重篤なアレルギー反応が出た場合は、直ちに医師に相談してください。

In the unlikely event that a severe allergic reaction occurs, please consult a doctor immediately.

Finally, in legal and insurance contexts, '重篤' is used to define the severity of an injury for the purpose of compensation or policy payouts. It serves as a technical benchmark for the most extreme physical outcomes.

Because 重篤な (jūtokuna) is such a strong word, the most common mistake is using it in non-medical contexts where 'serious' is required. In English, 'critical' can describe a medical state, a piece of feedback, or a pivotal moment. In Japanese, jūtokuna is almost strictly physical.

Mistake 1: Using it for Social Problems: Do not use it for 'a critical shortage of staff' or 'a critical social issue'. For these, use 深刻な (shinkokuna) or 重大な (jūdai na). Saying '重篤な人手不足' (critical labor shortage) sounds like the shortage itself is a dying patient.

❌ 重篤な間違い (A critical mistake)
✅ 重大な間違い (A serious/major mistake)

Avoid using 'jūtokuna' for errors or abstract problems.

Mistake 2: Confusing with '重症' (Jūshō). While similar, '重症' refers to a serious illness that requires long-term hospitalization but isn't necessarily life-threatening at this very second. '重篤' is the next level up—where the patient might not survive the night.

Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Settings: Using this word to describe a bad hangover or a flu will make you sound like you are being incredibly melodramatic. Stick to 'ひどい' (hidoi) or 'きつい' (kitsui) for everyday ailments.

❌ 風邪で重篤な状態です (I'm in a critical state with a cold)
✅ 風邪がひどくて寝込んでいます (My cold is terrible and I'm in bed)

Lastly, ensure you use the 'na' particle when modifying a noun. '重篤状態' (jūtokujōtai) is sometimes used as a compound noun in technical reports, but in standard grammar, '重篤な状態' is the correct adjectival form.

To truly master 重篤な (jūtokuna), you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each has a specific 'flavor' and context. Choosing the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence from 'clinically critical' to 'socially serious' or 'physically heavy'.

重症 (Jūshō) vs. 重篤 (Jūtoku): '重症' means a severe condition requiring significant medical treatment. '重篤' is more extreme, implying a life-threatening crisis. A patient can be '重症' for weeks, but '重篤' usually describes an acute, unstable phase.

深刻な (Shinkokuna): Used for abstract problems, social issues, or psychological states. '深刻な悩み' (serious worries) or '深刻な不況' (serious recession). Never use this for a medical 'critical' state in a clinical sense.

比較: 「重篤な病気」 (Critical/dying illness) vs 「重大な責任」 (Heavy/major responsibility).

Another alternative is 危機的な (kikiteki na), which means 'critical' or 'on the verge of crisis'. This can be used for both medical and non-medical situations, such as '危機的な財政状況' (critical financial situation). It focuses more on the 'crisis' aspect than the 'medical severity' aspect.

危篤 (Kitoku): This is a very specific term used when someone is actually dying. If a family is called to the hospital because a relative is about to pass away, the word is '危篤'. '重篤' is the medical state; '危篤' is the 'end-of-life' notification.

祖父が危篤だと連絡が入った。

I received a call saying my grandfather is in critical condition (on his deathbed).

Understanding these nuances allows you to communicate with the appropriate level of sensitivity and accuracy in Japanese society.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '篤' (toku) contains the radical for 'bamboo' and 'horse'. Historically, it referred to a horse walking slowly or heavily, which evolved into the meaning of 'serious' or 'earnest'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒuː.tɒ.ku.na

US dʒu.toʊ.ku.nɑ

The pitch accent in Japanese is generally flat (Heiban), but emphasis often naturally falls on the first syllable 'Jū' due to its length.

Rhymes With

Jūyoku (Heavy wing) Chūoku (Billion) Kyūoku (Nine hundred million) Shūfuku (Repair) Kūfuku (Hunger) Gōfuku (Wealthy) Kōfuku (Happiness) Sōfuku (Double width)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jū' as a short 'ju'. It must be a long vowel.
Confusing 'toku' with 'doku' (poison).
Failing to include the 'na' when used as an adjective.
Misreading the kanji '篤' as '馬' or '鳥'.
Using an English 'r' sound if trying to pronounce related words like 'ryōkō'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji '篤' is difficult and not part of the standard daily-use set for beginners.

Writing 5/5

Writing '篤' correctly requires practice with stroke order and balance.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but the context must be handled with care.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized once you know the 'jū' sound for 'heavy'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病気 (Sick) 重い (Heavy) 状態 (State) 病院 (Hospital) 医者 (Doctor)

Learn Next

危篤 (Deathbed) 搬送 (Transportation/Ambulance) 後遺症 (After-effects) 合併症 (Complications) 副作用 (Side effects)

Advanced

遷延性意識障害 (Persistent vegetative state) 多臓器不全 (Multiple organ failure) 敗血症 (Sepsis) 心肺停止 (Cardiopulmonary arrest) 予後 (Prognosis)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

重篤な状態 (Critical condition)

State of Being with 'da/desu'

容体は重篤です (The condition is critical)

Adverbial use with 'ni'

重篤に陥る (To fall into a critical state - though 'jōtai ni' is more common)

Compound Noun formation

重篤患者 (Critical patient)

Negative 'dewa nai'

重篤ではない (It is not critical)

Examples by Level

彼はとても重い病気です。

He has a very heavy (serious) illness.

A1 uses 'omoi' (heavy) instead of 'jūtoku'.

病院に重い病気の人がいます。

There is a person with a heavy illness in the hospital.

Focus on 'omoi' to understand the concept of 'jūtoku'.

ニュースで「重い」と言いました。

They said 'heavy' on the news.

Simple identification of serious news.

おじいさんは今、大変な状態です。

My grandfather is in a serious state right now.

A1 uses 'taihen' for serious situations.

その人は病気がとても悪いです。

That person's illness is very bad.

Using 'warui' (bad) to describe health.

救急車が来ました。大変です。

The ambulance came. It's serious.

Immediate crisis context.

彼は入院しています。重いです。

He is hospitalized. It's heavy (serious).

Linking hospitalization with 'omoi'.

危ない状態かもしれません。

It might be a dangerous state.

A1 uses 'abunai' (dangerous) for critical.

ニュースで「重篤な状態」と聞きました。

I heard 'critical condition' on the news.

Recognizing the set phrase 'jūtokuna jōtai'.

彼は重篤な病気ではありません。

He does not have a critical illness.

Negative form 'dewa arimasen'.

重篤な患者が運ばれてきました。

A critical patient was brought in.

Modifying the noun 'kanja' (patient).

その事故で重篤な怪我をした人がいます。

There is a person who suffered critical injuries in that accident.

Using 'jūtokuna' to describe 'kega' (injury).

彼女の状態はまだ重篤です。

Her condition is still critical.

Using 'jūtoku' as a predicate.

重篤な副作用に気をつけてください。

Please be careful of severe side effects.

Introduction to 'fukusayō' (side effects).

医者は「重篤だ」と言いました。

The doctor said, 'It's critical'.

Quoting a professional opinion.

重篤な状態から回復しました。

He recovered from a critical condition.

The particle 'kara' showing the starting point of recovery.

重篤な疾患を持つ人々を支援する。

Support people with critical illnesses.

Using 'shikkan' (disease/ailment) instead of 'byōki'.

重篤なアレルギー反応が起こる可能性があります。

There is a possibility that a critical allergic reaction will occur.

Using 'kanōsei' (possibility).

患者は重篤な肺炎を患っています。

The patient is suffering from critical pneumonia.

The verb 'wazu rau' (to suffer from).

重篤な状態が続いているため、面会はできません。

Because the critical condition continues, visits are not allowed.

Using 'tame' to show reason.

この薬には重篤な副作用の報告があります。

There are reports of critical side effects for this medicine.

Noun modification 'fukusayō no hōkoku'.

手術後、容体は重篤になりました。

After the surgery, the condition became critical.

Using 'yōdai' (condition/state).

重篤な感染症が広がっています。

A critical infectious disease is spreading.

Using 'kansenshō' (infectious disease).

彼は重篤な合併症を引き起こした。

He developed critical complications.

The phrase 'hikio kosu' (to cause/trigger).

重篤な副作用が確認されたため、治験は中止された。

The clinical trial was suspended because critical side effects were confirmed.

Passive voice 'chūshi sareta'.

その患者は極めて重篤な状態で搬送された。

The patient was transported in an extremely critical condition.

Using the adverb 'kiwamete' for emphasis.

重篤な心不全の治療には高度な技術が必要だ。

Treating critical heart failure requires advanced technology.

Using 'hitsuyō' (necessary) with a noun clause.

事故の被害者は一時、重篤な状態に陥った。

The accident victim fell into a critical condition for a time.

The phrase 'jōtai ni ochiru' (to fall into a state).

重篤な症状が見られた場合は、すぐに救急車を呼んでください。

If critical symptoms are seen, please call an ambulance immediately.

Conditional 'baai wa'.

医師は家族に、本人の状態が重篤であることを告げた。

The doctor informed the family that the person's condition was critical.

Using 'koto' to nominalize the sentence.

重篤な肝機能障害が認められた例がある。

There are cases where critical liver dysfunction was recognized.

Using 'mitomeru' (to recognize/observe).

彼は重篤な持病を抱えながらも、仕事を続けている。

Despite having a critical chronic illness, he continues to work.

Using 'nagara mo' (even while).

重篤な疾患に対する新薬の承認プロセスが加速している。

The approval process for new drugs for critical illnesses is accelerating.

Complex noun phrases 'shōnin purosesu'.

重篤な意識障害があり、自発呼吸が困難な状態です。

There is critical consciousness impairment, and spontaneous breathing is difficult.

Technical terms 'ishiki shōgai' and 'jihatsu kokyū'.

患者の容体は一進一退を繰り返しており、依然として重篤だ。

The patient's condition is fluctuating, and remains critical.

Four-character idiom 'isshin ittai'.

重篤な副作用の発生頻度は極めて低いとされる。

The frequency of occurrence of critical side effects is said to be extremely low.

Using 'to sareru' (it is considered/said that).

重篤な熱中症は、脳に不可逆的なダメージを与える恐れがある。

Critical heatstroke poses a risk of causing irreversible damage to the brain.

Using 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that).

重篤な精神疾患の患者に対する社会的支援が急務である。

Social support for patients with critical mental illnesses is an urgent matter.

Using 'kyūmu' (urgent task).

今回の事故における重篤者の数は、当初の予想を上回った。

The number of critically injured persons in this accident exceeded initial expectations.

Using 'uwamawaru' (to exceed).

重篤な合併症を併発するリスクを最小限に抑える。

Minimize the risk of developing critical complications concurrently.

The verb 'heihatsu suru' (to occur simultaneously).

本剤の投与により重篤な転帰を辿った症例が報告されている。

Cases have been reported where the administration of this drug led to a critical outcome.

Technical term 'tenki o tadoru' (to follow a course/outcome).

重篤な状態の患者における倫理的な意思決定プロセスを検討する。

Examine the ethical decision-making process in patients in critical condition.

Abstract noun 'rinriteki ishi kettei'.

多臓器不全を伴う極めて重篤な症例に対し、総力戦で治療に当たる。

For extremely critical cases involving multiple organ failure, treatment is approached with all available resources.

Idiomatic expression 'sōryokusen' (all-out war/effort).

重篤な感染症のパンデミックは、国家の安全保障を脅かす。

A pandemic of critical infectious diseases threatens national security.

Using 'obiyakasu' (to threaten).

臨床試験において重篤な有害事象（SAE）の定義は厳格に定められている。

The definition of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) in clinical trials is strictly established.

Using 'genkaku ni' (strictly).

重篤な患者の救命率向上は、救急医療体制の最優先課題である。

Improving the survival rate of critical patients is the top priority for the emergency medical system.

Compound noun 'kyūmei ritsu kōjō'.

脳死判定は、重篤な脳損傷を受けた患者に対して慎重に行われる。

Brain death determination is carefully performed for patients who have suffered critical brain damage.

Technical term 'nōshi hantei'.

重篤なアレルギー反応であるアナフィラキシーショックへの迅速な対応が求められる。

A rapid response to anaphylactic shock, a critical allergic reaction, is required.

Apposition using 'de aru'.

Common Collocations

重篤な状態

重篤な副作用

重篤な合併症

重篤な疾患

重篤な症状

重篤なアレルギー反応

重篤な被害

重篤な熱中症

極めて重篤な

重篤な意識障害

Common Phrases

重篤な状態に陥る

— To fall into a critical condition. Often used for sudden changes in health.

容体が急変し、重篤な状態に陥った。

重篤な副作用を回避する

— To avoid critical side effects through careful monitoring.

投与量を調整し、重篤な副作用を回避する。

重篤な疾患の治療

— Treatment of critical illnesses. Common in academic papers.

重篤な疾患の治療法を研究している。

重篤な事態を招く

— To lead to a critical situation. Can be used slightly metaphorically.

判断の遅れが重篤な事態を招いた。

重篤な経過をたどる

— To follow a critical course or progression of illness.

病気は重篤な経過をたどっている。

重篤な反応を示す

— To show a critical reaction, usually to a drug or allergen.

彼は特定の成分に重篤な反応を示した。

重篤な障害が残る

— To be left with critical/severe disabilities after an event.

事故の後遺症で重篤な障害が残った。

重篤な感染を予防する

— To prevent critical infections through hygiene or vaccines.

重篤な感染を予防するための対策。

重篤な容体

— A critical medical appearance or state.

重篤な容体のため、予断を許さない。

重篤な段階

— A critical stage of a disease.

病気が重篤な段階に達している。

Often Confused With

重篤な vs 重大な

Used for important or major things in general, while 'jūtoku' is specifically medical.

重篤な vs 深刻な

Used for serious social issues or worries, not for physical life-threatening states.

重篤な vs 重症の

Means 'severely ill', but 'jūtoku' is a step higher, meaning 'critically ill/life-threatening'.

Idioms & Expressions

"予断を許さない"

— To not allow for any prediction; a situation where anything could happen. Often used with 'jūtoku'.

重篤な状態で、依然として予断を許さない。

Formal

"生死の境を彷徨う"

— To hover between life and death. A more poetic way to describe a 'jūtoku' state.

彼は数日間、生死の境を彷徨った。

Literary

"九死に一生を得る"

— To have a narrow escape from death. The result of surviving a 'jūtoku' state.

重篤な状態だったが、九死に一生を得た。

General

"容体が急変する"

— A patient's condition changes suddenly for the worse.

深夜に容体が急変し、重篤になった。

Medical

"一命を取り留める"

— To narrowly escape death; to survive.

重篤な状態から、なんとか一命を取り留めた。

Formal

"予後が悪い"

— The prognosis is bad. Often said when a patient remains 'jūtoku'.

重篤な合併症のため、予後が悪いと判断された。

Medical

"手を尽くす"

— To do everything possible. Doctors do this for 'jūtoku' patients.

医師たちは重篤な患者に対し、あらゆる手を尽くした。

General

"峠を越す"

— To pass the critical point (the 'peak' of the crisis).

重篤な状態だったが、ようやく峠を越した。

General

"虫の息"

— A faint breath; being on the verge of death.

発見された時、彼は重篤で虫の息だった。

Idiomatic

"命の灯火が消えかかる"

— The light of life is flickering out.

重篤な病に侵され、命の灯火が消えかかっている。

Literary

Easily Confused

重篤な vs 危篤 (Kitoku)

Both mean 'critical condition'.

'Jūtoku' is a medical assessment of severity. 'Kitoku' is often the final notification that someone is dying.

重篤な状態が続き、ついに危篤となった。

重篤な vs 重体 (Jūtai)

Both refer to serious physical states.

'Jūtai' is mostly used in news reports for injuries from accidents. 'Jūtoku' is more clinical and used for illnesses.

事故で意識不明の重体です。

重篤な vs 重症 (Jūshō)

Both mean 'severe'.

'Jūshō' is a category of illness (mild, moderate, severe). 'Jūtoku' is an unstable, life-threatening crisis.

重症患者の中でも、特に重篤な人。

重篤な vs 特異な (Tokui na)

Contains the 'toku' sound.

'Tokui' means unique or peculiar, nothing to do with medical severity.

彼は特異な才能を持っている。

重篤な vs 重用 (Chūyō)

Starts with 'jū/chū'.

'Chūyō' means to give someone an important post or to value someone highly.

彼は社長に重用されている。

Sentence Patterns

[Person/Patient] は重篤な状態です。

祖父は重篤な状態です。

[Drug/Treatment] には重篤な副作用があります。

この薬には重篤な副作用があります。

重篤な [Condition] が続く。

重篤な意識不明の状態が続いている。

極めて重篤な [Noun]。

極めて重篤な合併症が発生した。

重篤な [Noun] に陥る。

彼は重篤な心不全に陥った。

重篤な [Noun] を併発する。

肺炎に加えて重篤な敗血症を併発した。

重篤な [Noun] に対する [Action]。

重篤なアレルギーに対する緊急処置。

重篤な [Noun] の疑いがある。

重篤な内臓損傷の疑いがある。

Word Family

Nouns

重篤 (Jūtoku - Critical condition)

危篤 (Kitoku - Dying state)

重症 (Jūshō - Severe illness)

Verbs

重篤化する (Jūtokuka suru - To become critical)

Adjectives

重篤な (Jūtokuna - Critical)

篤実な (Tokujitsuna - Sincere/Faithful)

深刻 (Serious)

重大 (Important/Major)

致命的 (Fatal)

危険 (Dangerous)

緊急 (Emergency)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specific domains (medical, news), rare in daily life.

Common Mistakes

重篤なミス (Jūtokuna misu) → 重大なミス (Jūdai na misu)
'Jūtoku' is only for medical/physical states. For mistakes, use 'jūdai'.
重篤な問題 (Jūtokuna mondai) → 深刻な問題 (Shinkokuna mondai)
For social or abstract problems, 'shinkoku' is the correct choice.
風邪で重篤です (Kaze de jūtoku desu) → 風邪がひどいです (Kaze ga hidoi desu)
'Jūtoku' is for life-threatening things. A cold is rarely 'jūtoku'.
重篤副作用 (Jūtoku fukusayō) → 重篤な副作用 (Jūtokuna fukusayō)
Missing the 'na' particle which is required for this na-adjective.
重篤の患者 (Jūtoku no kanja) → 重篤な患者 (Jūtokuna kanja)
Using 'no' instead of 'na' for an adjectival noun.

Tips

Think ICU

Always associate 'jūtokuna' with the Intensive Care Unit. If a patient belongs there, they are likely 'jūtokuna'.

Don't forget the 'na'

It is a na-adjective. Always say '重篤な状態' (jūtokuna jōtai), not just '重篤状態' in standard speech.

Kanji Breakup

Break '篤' into bamboo (top) and the rest. It helps in remembering this complex character.

News Watch

Listen for this word in NHK News. It's a very common 'news vocabulary' word for reporting accidents.

Jūtoku vs Shinkoku

Never use 'jūtoku' for environmental or social problems. Use 'shinkoku' for those.

Handle with Care

Because it implies someone might die, use it with great empathy and respect.

Side Effects

In pharmaceutical contexts, 'jūtokuna fukusayō' is a set phrase you must know.

Long 'u'

Ensure the 'jū' is long. If it's short, it sounds like 'jutoku', which is not a word.

Academic Tone

Use this word in essays about healthcare or aging society to sound more professional.

Heavy Sincerity

Remember: A heavy (重) and sincere (篤) illness is critical.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Jewel' (Jū) that is so 'Tough' (Toku) it's 'Heavy' (Jū). If a situation is 'Jūtoku', it's a heavy, tough medical problem.

Visual Association

Imagine an ICU monitor with a red flashing light. The word 'JŪTOKU' is written in bold red letters across the screen.

Word Web

ICU Emergency Room Ambulance Side Effects Life-threatening Hospital Doctor Surgery

Challenge

Try to find the word '重篤' in a Japanese news article about a recent accident or a medical study. Write down the noun it modifies.

Word Origin

Composed of Middle Chinese-derived characters. '重' (heavy) and '篤' (deep/serious).

Original meaning: A 'heavy and deep' illness that has fully taken hold of the body.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

This is a very sensitive word. Only use it when discussing actual medical crises. Using it loosely can be seen as insensitive or alarmist.

In English, we use 'critical' for both medical and non-medical contexts. In Japanese, 'jūtoku' is almost purely medical.

Medical dramas like 'Code Blue' (コード・ブルー) News reports on the Great East Japan Earthquake Pharmaceutical ads (legal requirements for side effect warnings)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Emergency Room (ER)

重篤な患者
直ちに処置が必要
集中治療室へ運ぶ
命に関わる

News Reporting

重篤な状態が続いている
一人が重篤
搬送先の病院で
意識不明の重体

Pharmaceutical Information

重篤な副作用の報告
直ちに使用を中止する
医師に相談する
まれに起こる

Insurance / Legal

重篤な後遺障害
診断書の内容
賠償額の算定
事故との因果関係

Medical Research

重篤な症例の検討
生存率の向上
新しい治療法の開発
臨床データの分析

Conversation Starters

"ニュースで見ましたが、あの事故の被害者はまだ重篤な状態なんですか？ (I saw on the news, but is the victim of that accident still in critical condition?)"

"重篤な副作用が出た場合、どうすればいいですか？ (If a critical side effect occurs, what should I do?)"

"「重症」と「重篤」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'severe' and 'critical'?)"

"重篤な疾患を抱える患者さんのケアは、非常に大変ですよね。 (Caring for patients with critical illnesses is very difficult, isn't it?)"

"ドラマでよく「重篤だ！」と言いますが、現実でも使いますか？ (In dramas they often say 'It's critical!', but is it used in reality too?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が重篤な状態になったら、どのような治療を望みますか？ (If you were in a critical condition, what kind of treatment would you want?)

最近のニュースで「重篤」という言葉を聞いたことがありますか？その状況を説明してください。 (Have you heard the word 'critical' in the news lately? Please explain the situation.)

医療ドラマを見て、印象に残った「重篤な」シーンについて書いてください。 (Write about a 'critical' scene that left an impression on you from a medical drama.)

「重篤な副作用」という言葉を聞いて、どのようなリスクを想像しますか？ (Hearing the phrase 'critical side effects', what kind of risks do you imagine?)

命の重さについて、この言葉を通じて考えてみましょう。 (Let's think about the weight of life through this word.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily, but it means their life is in immediate danger. Many people recover from a 'jūtokuna' state with intensive medical treatment, but the risk of death is very high during that period.

No. For a bad mistake, you should use '重大なミス' (jūdai na misu). Using 'jūtokuna' would sound like the mistake is a person who is dying in a hospital.

'Jūshō' means 'severe illness' (requires hospitalization). 'Jūtoku' means 'critical condition' (life-threatening). Think of 'jūshō' as the ward and 'jūtoku' as the ICU.

It has 16 strokes. Top is the bamboo radical (竹), and the bottom is 'sincere' (馬 + ...). It's quite complex, so practice it carefully.

It can be used for very severe, life-threatening mental health crises (like '重篤な精神疾患'), but it's less common than in physical medicine.

Almost never. Unless you are a doctor or talking about a very serious news event, you won't use it. It's too formal and heavy for casual chat.

Yes, in a veterinary context, if a pet is in a life-threatening, critical condition, a vet might use this term.

Yes, '重篤化する' (jūtokuka suru), which means 'to become critical' or 'to worsen to a critical level'.

In a medical context, '軽微な' (keibi na - minor) or '軽症の' (keishō no - mild case) are the standard opposites.

You can describe the '被害' (damage) as '重篤' metaphorically in very formal writing, but '甚大な' (jindai na) is much more common for disasters.