Japanese Drug Vocabulary

The consumption and possession of drugs are considered serious crimes in Japan. However, understanding the vocabulary related to drugs in Japanese can be useful to stay informed and avoid problematic situations. Below are some words and phrases related to drugs in Japanese:

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Table of Contents

How to say Drugs in Japanese

In addition to these words, there are specific terms for other types of drugs and substances, such as stimulants (刺激物 – shigekibutsu), hallucinogens (幻覚剤 – genkakuzai) and sedatives (鎮静剤 – chinseizai).

薬物 (Yakubutsu) – Drugs

The word “薬物” is composed of two kanjis: “薬” (yaku), which means “medicine” or “drug”, and “物” (butsu), which means “thing” or “object”. Together, these two words refer to chemical substances or drugs.

麻薬 (Mayaku) – Narcotics

“麻薬” is composed of the kanjis “麻” (ma), which means “hemp” or “marijuana”, and “薬” (yaku), which means “medicine” or “drug”. The word “麻薬” generally refers to narcotics, especially illegal drugs.

大麻 (Taima) – Marijuana

“大麻” is formed by the kanjis “大” (tai), which means “big”, and “麻” (ma), which means “hemp” or “marijuana”. “大麻” is the specific Japanese word for marijuana. Interestingly, hemp has a long history in Japan and was used to make ropes, fabrics, and paper before it became illegal.

CBD (シービーディ) – Shī Bī Di – Cannabidiol
THC (ティーエイチシー) – Tī Eichi Shī – Tetrahydrocannabinol

Types of Drugs in Japanese

In addition to the previous words, there are specific terms for types of drugs and substances, such as stimulants, hallucinogens, and sedatives. Below we will provide a complete list about each category:

刺激物 (Shigekibutsu) – Stimulants

The word “刺激物” is composed of the kanjis “刺激” (shigeki), which means “stimulus” or “excitement”, and “物” (butsu), which means “thing” or “substance”. These are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system, resulting in greater attention, energy, and alertness.

アンフェタミン (Anfetamin) – Amphetamines
メタンフェタミン (Metanfetamin) – Methamphetamine
コカイン (Kokain) – Cocaine

鎮静剤 (Chinseizai) – Sedatives and tranquilizers

The word “鎮静剤” is composed of the kanjis “鎮静” (chinsei), which means “calm” or “sedation”, and “剤” (zai), which means “agent” or “medication”. These are drugs that reduce anxiety, tension, and relax the muscles.

バルビツール酸系 (Barubitsūru-san-kei) – Barbiturates
ベンゾジアゼピン系 (Benzojiyazepin-kei) – Benzodiazepines

麻酔薬 (Masuiyaku) – Analgesics and opioids

The word “麻酔薬” is composed of the kanjis “麻酔” (masui), which means “anesthesia” or “numbness”, and “薬” (yaku), which means “medicine” or “drug”. These are drugs used to relieve pain, and often have sedative properties.

モルヒネ (Moruhine) – Morphine
ヘロイン (Heroin) – Heroin
オキシコドン (Okishikodon) – Oxycodone

幻覚剤 (Genkakuzai) – Hallucinogens

The word “幻覚剤” is composed of the kanjis “幻覚” (genkaku), which means “illusion” or “hallucination”, and “剤” (zai), which means “agent” or “medication”. These are drugs that alter perception, thought, and emotional experience.

LSD (エルエスディ) – Eru Esu Di – LSD
シロシビン (Shiroshibin) – Psilocybin
メスカリン (Mesukarin) – Mescaline

デザイナードラッグ (Dezainā doraggu) – Synthetic drugs

These are synthetic chemical drugs created to mimic or enhance the effects of natural drugs.

スパイス (Supaisu) – Spice (Synthetic cannabinoids)
バスソルト (Basu soruto) – Bath salts (Synthetic stimulants)

インハラント (Inharanto) – Inhalants

These are volatile chemical substances that produce psychoactive effects when inhaled.

ニトリト系 (Nitorito-kei) – Nitrites
揮発性溶剤 (Kihatsusei yōzai) – Volatile solvents

Related Words

To conclude, we will look at more words related to the world of drugs:

使う (Tsukau) – Use
売買 (Baibai) – Buy and sell
購入する (Kōnyū suru) – Buy
取引 (Torihiki) – Negotiate
販売する (Hanbai suru) – Sell
麻薬密売人 (Mayaku mitsubainin) – Drug dealer
麻薬取引 (Mayaku torihiki) – Drug trafficking
麻薬中毒 (Mayaku chūdoku) – Drug addiction
麻薬常習者 (Mayaku jōshūsha) – Habitual drug user
麻薬患者 (Mayaku kanja) – Drug addict
麻薬捜査 (Mayaku sōsa) – Drug investigation

Drug Vocabulary in Japanese