ウイルス in 30 Seconds
- A dual-purpose katakana word referring to both biological pathogens and malicious computer software, essential for health and tech contexts.
- Derived from German pronunciation ('u-i-ru-su'), distinguishing it from the English 'v-ai-ru-s' sound, which is a common pitfall for learners.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'kansen suru' (to be infected) and used with the particle 'ni' to indicate the source of infection.
- Central to Japanese social etiquette (mask-wearing) and IT security protocols, appearing frequently in news, clinics, and office environments.
The Japanese word ウイルス (uirusu) is a katakana loanword that serves a dual purpose in modern communication, mirroring the English word 'virus' but with a distinct phonetic profile derived from German. In its primary biological sense, it refers to a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. In the digital age, it has seamlessly transitioned to describe malicious software (malware) that replicates by inserting copies of itself into other computer programs or data files. Understanding this word is fundamental for navigating daily life in Japan, whether you are discussing health at a clinic or troubleshooting a laptop at an electronics store in Akihabara.
- Biological Context
- Refers to pathogens like the influenza virus (インフルエンザウイルス) or the coronavirus (コロナウイルス). It is the standard term used by doctors and health officials.
- Digital Context
- Refers to computer viruses (コンピューターウイルス). While 'malware' (マルウェア) is used in technical circles, 'uirusu' remains the most common term for the general public.
- Etymological Origin
- Unlike many English loanwords that come from American English, 'uirusu' comes from the German pronunciation of 'Virus', which explains why it starts with a 'u' sound rather than a 'v' sound.
冬はウイルスが広がりやすいので、手洗いをしっかりしましょう。
— Health PSA: "Viruses spread easily in winter, so let's wash our hands thoroughly."
Historically, Japan has used various terms for disease, but the adoption of 'uirusu' marked a shift toward modern germ theory in the public consciousness. The word is ubiquitous in news headlines, especially during the winter flu season or global pandemics. It is important to note that in Japanese, the word does not change form for pluralization, as is standard for Japanese nouns. Whether you are talking about one single virus particle or a million, it remains 'uirusu'.
パソコンがウイルスに感染してしまったようです。
— IT Support: "It seems the computer has been infected by a virus."
The versatility of the word allows it to be used in various compound forms. For instance, 'uirusu-sei' (ウイルス性) means 'viral' or 'of a viral nature', often used in medical diagnoses like 'uirusu-sei kan'en' (viral hepatitis). In the tech world, 'uirusu taisaku' (ウイルス対策) refers to anti-virus measures or software. This adaptability makes it one of the most high-frequency katakana words in the Japanese language.
新しいウイルス対策ソフトをインストールしました。
— Tech Update: "I installed new anti-virus software."
- Grammatical Role
- It functions as a standard noun. It is often the object of verbs like 'kansen suru' (to infect/be infected) or 'fusegu' (to prevent).
- Social Nuance
- During the COVID-19 era, the word became heavily associated with social responsibility, masking, and 'jishuku' (self-restraint).
Using ウイルス correctly involves understanding its typical verb pairings and the particles that connect them. Because it can be both a biological threat and a digital one, the verbs used often overlap, creating a consistent logical framework for learners. The most common verb associated with 'uirusu' is 感染する (kansen suru), which means 'to be infected'. When you want to say 'infected with a virus', you use the particle に: 'ウイルスに感染する'.
彼は強力なウイルスに感染した。
— "He was infected with a powerful virus."
When discussing prevention or countermeasures, the word 対策 (taisaku) is frequently appended to form 'uirusu taisaku'. This is used in phrases like 'uirusu taisaku o suru' (to take anti-virus measures). In a medical context, you might talk about 予防 (yobo), meaning prevention. 'Uirusu no yobo' (prevention of the virus) is a standard phrase used in public health announcements.
- Active vs. Passive
- While 'kansen suru' is technically an active verb, in the context of viruses, it usually functions like the English passive 'to be infected'. To say 'to spread a virus', use 'uirusu o hirogeru' (ウイルスを広げる).
- Removal
- In IT, to remove a virus, you use 'jokyo suru' (除去する) or 'sakujo suru' (削除する). 'Uirusu o jokyo suru' means to eliminate the virus from the system.
In formal writing or news reporting, 'uirusu' is often preceded by specific names. For example, 'shingata koronauirusu' (新型コロナウイルス) refers to the 'novel coronavirus'. The prefix 'shingata' (new type) is a common way to describe emerging strains. In contrast, 'uirusu-sei' (viral) is used as an adjective to describe symptoms, such as 'uirusu-sei no kaze' (a viral cold).
このウイルスは空気感染しますか？
— "Is this virus airborne?" (lit. Does it infect via air?)
For students of Japanese, it is also useful to know the word 検知 (kenchi), which means 'detection'. Anti-virus software 'kenchi suru' (detects) the virus. If you are working in a Japanese office, you might hear 'Uirusu ga kenchi saremashita' (A virus was detected), which is a signal to stop what you are doing and call IT support.
You will encounter ウイルス in a wide variety of environments, ranging from high-stakes medical settings to casual office conversations. Its frequency increased dramatically after 2020, making it a staple of the daily lexicon. In the morning news, weather forecasters often include 'uirusu johō' (virus information) alongside pollen counts during the winter and spring months to warn citizens about the prevalence of the flu or other seasonal illnesses.
- At the Hospital (Byōin)
- Doctors will use it to explain the cause of an illness. 'Uirusu-sei no mono desu ne' (It's a viral thing/type) is a common diagnosis for a standard cold that doesn't require antibiotics.
- In the Office (Jimusho)
- IT departments send out alerts about 'fushin na meru' (suspicious emails) that might contain 'uirusu'. You'll see signs near shared computers reminding users to scan their USB drives.
- Public Transportation
- Announcements in trains often mention 'uirusu kansen kakudai bōshi' (prevention of the spread of virus infection) when asking passengers to wear masks or keep windows open for ventilation.
ただの風邪ではなく、ウイルス性の胃腸炎ですね。
— Doctor: "It's not just a cold; it's viral gastroenteritis."
In schools, 'uirusu' is a key part of the health education curriculum. Children are taught about 'uirusu no yakuwari' (the role of viruses) and how to protect themselves. During flu outbreaks, schools might undergo 'gakkyū heisa' (class closure) to stop the 'uirusu' from spreading further. You will also see the word prominently displayed on products in drugstores, such as 'uirusu jokyo' (virus removal) sprays, wipes, and specialized masks.
On the internet, 'uirusu' appears in warnings and security blogs. If you accidentally click a suspicious link, a pop-up might scream 'Uirusu ni kansen shiteimasu!' (You are infected with a virus!). While these are often scams (scareware), the word 'uirusu' is used to trigger immediate concern. In more academic or professional IT contexts, you might hear the term 'maruwea' (malware), but 'uirusu' remains the term that gets everyone's attention.
The most frequent mistake learners make with ウイルス is related to its pronunciation. Because the English word 'virus' starts with a 'V' and has a long 'I' sound, English speakers often try to say 'vairusu'. However, in Japanese, the word is based on the German 'Virus', resulting in u-i-ru-su. Using the English pronunciation will often result in a blank stare from a Japanese listener because the phonetic mapping is so different.
- Confusing Virus with Bacteria
- Many people use 'uirusu' and 'saikin' (細菌 - bacteria) interchangeably. However, in Japanese medical contexts, this distinction is crucial. Antibiotics (kōseizai) work on 'saikin' but not on 'uirusu'.
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- Learners often use 'o' (object particle) when they mean 'ni' (target particle). It is 'uirusu に kansen suru' (to be infected BY a virus), not 'uirusu を kansen suru' (which would imply you are infecting the virus itself).
❌ ヴァイラスを感染しました。(Incorrect pronunciation and particle)
✅ ウイルスに感染しました。(Correct)
Another common error is using 'uirusu' to describe a 'viral' social media post. In English, we say 'The video went virus(al)'. In Japanese, if you say 'Douga ga uirusu ni natta', people will think the video file is corrupted with malware. To express social media popularity, use バズる (bazuru) or 拡散される (kakusan sareru).
Finally, be careful with the word バイ菌 (baikin). While 'baikin' is often translated as 'germs' or 'bugs', it is a more colloquial and childish term. Using 'baikin' in a professional or medical report instead of 'uirusu' or 'saikin' would sound very out of place and immature. 'Uirusu' is the appropriate clinical and adult term.
To truly master ウイルス, you must understand the words that orbit its semantic field. Japanese has several terms for pathogens and technical threats that are often confused by beginners. Distinguishing between these will make your Japanese sound more precise and professional.
- 細菌 (Saikin) - Bacteria
- Unlike viruses, bacteria are single-celled organisms. In Japanese, 'saikin' is used for things like E. coli or strep. Remember: 'saikin' can be treated with antibiotics, 'uirusu' cannot.
- 菌 (Kin) - Fungus/Germ/Mushroom
- This is a broad category. It can refer to 'kinoko' (mushrooms), 'kōji-kin' (mold used for sake), or just general 'germs'. It's less specific than 'uirusu'.
- マルウェア (Maruwea) - Malware
- In the IT world, this is the umbrella term for viruses, worms, and trojans. While 'uirusu' is common, 'maruwea' is used in technical documentation.
- 感染症 (Kansenshō) - Infectious Disease
- This refers to the disease caused by the virus, rather than the virus itself. For example, COVID-19 is the 'kansenshō' caused by the 'uirusu'.
この薬は細菌には効きますが、ウイルスには効きません。
— "This medicine works on bacteria but not on viruses."
Another related term is 病原体 (byōgentai), which means 'pathogen'. This is a formal, scientific term that encompasses viruses, bacteria, and parasites. You'll see this in textbooks and research papers. In the digital realm, you might also hear バグ (bagu), meaning 'bug'. A 'bagu' is a mistake in the code, whereas a 'uirusu' is a malicious program designed to cause harm. They are not the same thing!
Finally, consider 毒素 (dokuso), which means 'toxin'. While some viruses produce toxins, the words are used differently. 'Uirusu' is the agent; 'dokuso' is the harmful substance produced. Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate Japanese news and medical advice with much greater clarity.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Katakana rules
Noun + に感染する
Noun + 対策
Passive voice (kansen sareru)
Potential form (kenchi dekiru)
Examples by Level
これはウイルスですか？
Is this a virus?
Simple question with 'desu ka'.
ウイルスはこわいです。
Viruses are scary.
Subject + wa + adjective.
てをあらって、ウイルスをふせぎましょう。
Let's wash our hands and prevent viruses.
Te-form for sequence + mashō for suggestion.
パソコンにウイルスがあります。
There is a virus in the computer.
Location + ni + subject + ga arimasu.
ウイルスにきをつけてください。
Please be careful of viruses.
Ni ki o tsukete kudasai (fixed phrase).
彼はウイルスのせいで休みです。
He is absent because of a virus.
No sei de (because of - negative result).
このウイルスは新しいです。
This virus is new.
Kono + noun + wa + adjective.
ウイルスがいっぱいです。
There are many viruses.
Ippai (lots/full).
ウイルスに感染したかもしれません。
I might have been infected by a virus.
Verb past + kamoshiremasen (might).
ウイルス対策ソフトを買いました。
I bought anti-virus software.
Compound noun: Virus + Taisaku + Soft.
冬はウイルスがはやりやすいです。
Viruses tend to spread in winter.
Verb stem + yasui (easy to/tend to).
メールの添付ファイルからウイルスが入った。
A virus entered through an email attachment.
Kara (from) + hairu (enter).
このウイルスは人から人にうつります。
This virus spreads from person to person.
Kara... ni... (from... to...).
ウイルスを除去するために、スキャンをします。
I will run a scan to remove the virus.
Verb dictionary form + tame ni (in order to).
ウイルス性の風邪だと診断されました。
I was diagnosed with a viral cold.
Passive form: shindan sareta.
マスクはウイルスの予防に役立ちます。
Masks are useful for virus prevention.
Ni yakudachimasu (is useful for).
ウイルスが拡散しないように、イベントが中止になった。
The event was canceled so that the virus wouldn't spread.
Verb nai-form + yō ni (so that... not).
最新のウイルス定義ファイルを更新してください。
Please update to the latest virus definition file.
Te-form + kudasai (request).
ウイルスの構造について、授業で学びました。
I learned about the structure of viruses in class.
Ni tsuite (about).
そのウイルスは熱に弱いと言われています。
It is said that the virus is weak against heat.
To iwarete imasu (it is said that).
ウイルスに感染すると、高熱が出ることがあります。
When you get infected by the virus, you sometimes get a high fever.
Verb dictionary form + to (if/when) + koto ga aru.
このソフトは、未知のウイルスも検知できます。
This software can even detect unknown viruses.
Potential form: kenchi dekiru.
ウイルスの影響で、経済が停滞しています。
The economy is stagnating due to the influence of the virus.
No eikyō de (due to the influence of).
強力なウイルスが発見されたというニュースを聞いた。
I heard news that a powerful virus was discovered.
Noun modification: [sentence] + to iu + noun.
ウイルスが変異し、既存のワクチンが効かなくなる恐れがある。
There is a fear that the virus will mutate and existing vaccines will become ineffective.
Osore ga aru (there is a fear/risk that).
サイバー攻撃により、社内ネットワークにウイルスが侵入した。
A virus infiltrated the company network due to a cyberattack.
Ni yori (due to/by means of).
ウイルスの潜伏期間は、通常二週間程度とされています。
The incubation period of the virus is generally considered to be about two weeks.
To sarete imasu (is considered to be).
このウイルスは、免疫力が低下している人に感染しやすい。
This virus easily infects people whose immune systems are weakened.
Noun modification with relative clause.
ウイルス対策の徹底が、企業の信頼性に直結する。
Thoroughness in virus countermeasures directly links to a company's reliability.
Ni chokketsu suru (to be directly linked to).
研究者はウイルスの増殖を抑える新しい薬を開発している。
Researchers are developing a new drug to suppress the replication of the virus.
Object + o + verb stem + osaeru (suppress).
ウイルスがどのように細胞に付着するかを解明した。
They clarified how the virus attaches to cells.
Ka o (embedded question).
ウイルスの脅威にさらされている現状を打破しなければならない。
We must overcome the current situation where we are exposed to the threat of the virus.
Ni sarasarete iru (being exposed to).
ウイルスのゲノム解析により、感染経路が特定された。
The infection route was identified through genomic analysis of the virus.
Ni yori (by means of - formal).
このウイルスは、宿主の細胞を巧みに利用して自己複製を行う。
This virus skillfully utilizes the host's cells to perform self-replication.
Adverb 'takumi ni' (skillfully).
ウイルスの蔓延を防ぐための法的措置が検討されている。
Legal measures to prevent the spread of the virus are being considered.
Tame no (for the purpose of) + noun modification.
そのウイルスは、特定のOSの脆弱性を突いて攻撃を仕掛ける。
The virus launches an attack by exploiting the vulnerabilities of a specific OS.
O tsuite (exploiting/hitting).
ウイルスの毒性が強まると、社会的な混乱が避けられない。
If the toxicity of the virus strengthens, social chaos is unavoidable.
To (conditional) + sackerarenai (unavoidable).
ウイルス学の進歩は、人類の生存戦略において不可欠である。
Progress in virology is essential for humanity's survival strategy.
Ni oite (in/at - formal context).
ウイルスの抗原性が変化したため、ワクチンの再設計が必要だ。
Because the antigenicity of the virus has changed, a redesign of the vaccine is necessary.
Tame (because - formal).
ウイルスという言葉は、現代社会において多義的な意味を持つ。
The word 'virus' holds polysemous meanings in modern society.
To iu kotoba (the word called...).
ウイルスは生物と無生物の境界線上に位置する特異な存在である。
Viruses are unique entities located on the boundary between living and non-living things.
Kyōkaisen-jō (on the boundary line).
ウイルスの進化は、宿主との共進化というダイナミックなプロセスである。
The evolution of viruses is a dynamic process of co-evolution with their hosts.
To iu (defining the process).
情報のウイルス的拡散が、民主主義の根幹を揺るがしかねない。
The viral spread of information could potentially shake the very foundations of democracy.
Kanenai (could potentially - negative result).
ウイルスのパンデミックは、グローバル資本主義の脆弱性を露呈させた。
The virus pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global capitalism.
O rotei saseta (caused to expose).
ウイルスのベクターとしての利用が、遺伝子治療の分野で期待されている。
The use of viruses as vectors is expected in the field of gene therapy.
To shite no (as a...).
ウイルスの根絶は、技術的のみならず倫理的な課題も孕んでいる。
The eradication of a virus entails not only technical but also ethical challenges.
O harande iru (to be fraught with/entail).
ウイルスの自己複製メカニズムは、生命の本質に関する問いを投げかける。
The self-replication mechanism of viruses poses questions regarding the essence of life.
Ni kansuru (regarding).
ウイルスというミクロな存在が、マクロな歴史の転換点を作ってきた。
Microscopic entities called viruses have created macro-historical turning points.
Contrast between 'mikuro' and 'makuro'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Used for malware, trojans, etc.
Used for flu, colds, COVID, etc.
Can be used for ideas, but 'bazuru' is better for social media.
- Pronouncing it like the English 'virus'.
- Using 'uirusu' for a popular social media post.
- Using the 'o' particle instead of 'ni' with 'kansen suru'.
- Confusing 'uirusu' with 'saikin' (bacteria) in medical contexts.
- Writing it in Hiragana (ういるす) instead of Katakana (ウイルス).
Tips
Avoid the 'V'
Japanese doesn't naturally have a 'V' sound. Always start with 'U'. Practice saying 'U-I-RU-SU' quickly. This will make you sound much more natural.
Particle 'Ni'
Always use 'ni' with 'kansen suru'. It marks the agent that caused the infection. 'Uirusu ni kansen' is the gold standard phrase. Don't use 'o' unless you are the one spreading it.
IT vs Bio
Context is king. If you are at a computer, it's software. If you are at a doctor, it's a germ. The word doesn't change, so look at the environment.
Mask Etiquette
If you have a 'uirusu', wear a mask. It's a deep cultural expectation in Japan. It shows you are responsible. This is called 'manā' (manners).
Katakana Only
Never use Hiragana or Kanji for this word. It's a loanword, so Katakana is mandatory. ウイルス is the only correct way to write it. Hiragana would look very strange.
Be Specific
If you know it's the flu, say 'infuruenza'. If you don't know, 'uirusu' is a safe general term. It's better to be general than wrong. 'Uirusu' covers a lot of ground.
Scan Regularly
In Japan, 'uirusu kensa' (virus check) is common. Use this phrase when talking to IT support. They will know exactly what you mean. 'Kensa' and 'sukyan' are both used.
Antibiotics
Remember 'kōseizai' (antibiotics) don't work on 'uirusu'. If a doctor says it's a virus, don't ask for antibiotics. They will likely give you 'shōjō o yawarageru kusuri' (medicine to ease symptoms).
Watch the News
The word 'uirusu' appears in almost every news cycle. It's great listening practice. Try to catch the words coming before and after it. You'll hear 'shingata' and 'kansen' a lot.
Viral Trends
Don't use 'uirusu' for trends. Use 'bazuru'. If you say a trend is a 'uirusu', it sounds like a bad thing. 'Bazuru' is positive and modern.
Memorize It
Word Origin
German 'Virus'
Cultural Context
Japanese companies are extremely strict about 'uirusu' prevention on work devices.
Wearing masks is seen as a sign of consideration for others to prevent 'uirusu' spread.
News reports daily 'uirusu' counts during peak seasons.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近、ウイルスが流行っていますね。(Viruses are going around lately, aren't they?)"
"ウイルス対策ソフトは何を使っていますか？(What anti-virus software do you use?)"
"ウイルスに感染したことはありますか？(Have you ever been infected by a virus?)"
"新しいウイルスが見つかったそうですよ。(I heard a new virus was found.)"
"ウイルスの予防で一番大切なことは何だと思いますか？(What do you think is the most important thing for virus prevention?)"
Journal Prompts
ウイルスで学校や仕事が休みになった時のことを書いてください。(Write about a time school or work was closed due to a virus.)
コンピューターウイルスから身を守るために何をしていますか？(What do you do to protect yourself from computer viruses?)
ウイルスのない世界はどんな世界だと思いますか？(What kind of world do you think a virus-free world would be?)
最近のウイルスのニュースについて意見を書いてください。(Write your opinion on recent virus news.)
健康を守るための習慣をリストアップしてください。(List your habits for protecting your health.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe word entered Japanese from German 'Virus', where 'V' is pronounced like 'F' or 'V' depending on context, but the Japanese mapped it to 'U'. This is common for older medical terms in Japan which were heavily influenced by German science. English-based 'vairusu' is rarely used. It's a historical linguistic artifact. Most Japanese people wouldn't recognize 'vairusu' easily.
No, that's a common mistake for English speakers. In Japanese, 'uirusu' only refers to the harmful pathogen or software. For a viral video, use 'bazuru' (to buzz) or 'kakusan sareru' (to be spread). If you say a video is 'uirusu', people will think it's a malicious file. Stick to 'bazuru' for social media fame.
It is a neutral word used in all registers. You will hear it in casual talk ('Uirusu kamo'), professional medical settings, and formal news reports. It is the standard term. There isn't really a more formal or informal version for the noun itself. However, the verbs you pair with it change the register.
You usually say 'uirusu taisaku' (virus measures). For software, it's 'uirusu taisaku softo'. You can also say 'kō-uirusu' (anti-virus) for medicine, like 'kō-uirusu-yaku' (anti-viral drug). 'Taisaku' is the most common way to express 'anti-' in a general sense. It literally means 'countermeasure'.
Biologically, 'uirusu' (virus) is much smaller and needs a host to replicate, while 'saikin' (bacteria) are single-celled organisms. In Japanese, this distinction is important because 'kōseizai' (antibiotics) only work on 'saikin'. Doctors will often specify 'uirusu-sei' to explain why they aren't prescribing antibiotics. It's a key distinction in Japanese healthcare.
Yes, 'uirusu' is the most common term for any malicious software among the general public. While IT professionals use 'maruwea' (malware), 'uirusu' is understood by everyone. It's similar to how English speakers use 'virus' as a catch-all term for computer threats. If you're talking to a non-tech person, use 'uirusu'.
You say 'Uirusu ni kansen shimashita'. 'Kansen' is the standard word for infection. You can also say 'Uirusu o moratta' (I received/caught a virus) in very casual conversation, similar to 'I caught a cold'. But 'kansen' is the most accurate and common verb to use.
Technically, there is a kanji version '濾過性病原体' (rokasei byōgentai), but it is never used in daily life. It's purely an academic term found in old textbooks. 100% of the time, you should write it in Katakana as ウイルス. Using the kanji would make you look like a 19th-century scientist.
Japanese nouns don't have plural forms. 'Uirusu' can mean one virus or many viruses. The context or counters like 'shurui' (types) or 'ko' (particles) will tell you the quantity. Usually, it's used as an uncountable concept. You don't need to worry about changing the word.
The suffix '-sei' (性) means 'nature' or 'type'. So 'uirusu-sei' means 'viral'. It's used to describe illnesses, like 'uirusu-sei kan'en' (viral hepatitis). It's a very common way to turn the noun into an adjective. You'll see it on many medical documents and labels.
Test Yourself 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'uirusu' requires recognizing its German-derived pronunciation and its identical usage in medicine and IT. It is a high-frequency noun that connects to themes of prevention, infection, and social responsibility in modern Japanese life.
- A dual-purpose katakana word referring to both biological pathogens and malicious computer software, essential for health and tech contexts.
- Derived from German pronunciation ('u-i-ru-su'), distinguishing it from the English 'v-ai-ru-s' sound, which is a common pitfall for learners.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'kansen suru' (to be infected) and used with the particle 'ni' to indicate the source of infection.
- Central to Japanese social etiquette (mask-wearing) and IT security protocols, appearing frequently in news, clinics, and office environments.
Avoid the 'V'
Japanese doesn't naturally have a 'V' sound. Always start with 'U'. Practice saying 'U-I-RU-SU' quickly. This will make you sound much more natural.
Particle 'Ni'
Always use 'ni' with 'kansen suru'. It marks the agent that caused the infection. 'Uirusu ni kansen' is the gold standard phrase. Don't use 'o' unless you are the one spreading it.
IT vs Bio
Context is king. If you are at a computer, it's software. If you are at a doctor, it's a germ. The word doesn't change, so look at the environment.
Mask Etiquette
If you have a 'uirusu', wear a mask. It's a deep cultural expectation in Japan. It shows you are responsible. This is called 'manā' (manners).
Example
ウイルスに感染しました。
Related Content
More Science words
吸収
A1The act of taking in or soaking up something, such as liquid, light, heat, or knowledge. It describes both a physical process, like a sponge soaking up water, and a metaphorical process, like a student learning new information quickly.
分析
B1Analysis refers to the process of breaking down a complex topic, substance, or situation into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of its structure or nature. In Japanese, it is frequently used as a suru-verb in scientific, business, and logical contexts to describe objective investigation.
原子
A1An atom is the basic building block of all matter and the smallest unit of a chemical element. It consists of a dense central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
引力
A1The physical force of attraction that pulls objects toward one another, most famously observed as Earth's gravity. It is also used metaphorically to describe a powerful charm or magnetic influence that draws people toward something.
細菌
A1Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be found everywhere, including inside the human body. While some cause diseases, many are beneficial for health and the environment.
繁殖
A1The biological process by which animals, plants, or microorganisms produce offspring or increase in number. It is often used to describe the spreading or multiplication of species in a specific environment.
炭素
A1Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a fundamental building block of life and is found in substances ranging from charcoal and graphite to diamonds.
触媒
A1A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself. Metaphorically, it refers to a person or event that causes an important change or action to happen more quickly.
塩素
A1A chemical element (symbol Cl) that is a yellow-green gas with a strong smell. It is widely used for disinfecting swimming pools and tap water, as well as in cleaning products like bleach.
解明
A1The act of clarifying, solving, or unraveling a mystery, a complex problem, or a scientific phenomenon through investigation. It emphasizes the process of making something that was previously hidden or unknown clear and understandable.
