持病

• Reading: じびょう
• Romaji: jibyou
• Kanji breakdown: 持 (ji/mo) — hold, keep, maintain, possess; 病 (byō/yamai) — illness, disease, sickness
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.bʲoː/

Meaning

Chronic illness; a long-standing ailment that one has had for years and continues to manage on an ongoing basis.

Refers to an ongoing health condition that a person has lived with over time, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or migraine. Used in conversational and formal Japanese alike. Differs from 既往症 (past conditions) in that 持病 is present and ongoing. The phrase 持病を抱える (to live with/manage a chronic condition) is common. 持病持ち describes someone who has a chronic condition.

Examples

1. 持病の糖尿病を管理しながら、フルマラソンを完走した。 He completed a full marathon while managing his chronic condition of diabetes.
2. 持病を抱えながらも仕事を続けることが、彼女の誇りだった。 Continuing to work despite living with a chronic illness was her source of pride.
3. 保険の申込み時には、持病があるかどうかを正直に申告する必要がある。 When applying for insurance, you are required to honestly declare whether you have any chronic conditions.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, daily life, insurance, chronic disease management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 持 (ji/mo, hold/keep/possess) and 病 (byō/yamai, illness/disease). Together they convey the sense of a disease one holds or carries over time — a long-term companion illness.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General