後遺症

• Reading: こういしょう
• Romaji: kouishou
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (kou/go/ato) — after, behind; 遺 (i) — leave behind, bequeath; 症 (shou) — symptom, condition
• Pronunciation: /koː.i.ɕoː/

Meaning

Aftereffect; sequela; lingering symptom. A health problem that persists after an illness or injury has otherwise healed.

A noun describing residual symptoms or conditions that remain after the original disease or injury has been treated. Commonly discussed in relation to strokes (脳卒中の後遺症), traffic accidents, COVID-19 long-haul symptoms, and surgeries. Can also be used figuratively to describe lasting psychological effects.

Examples

1. 交通事故の後遺症で、今でも腰が痛むことがある。 Due to aftereffects from a traffic accident, I still have back pain to this day.
2. 感染症の後遺症に悩む患者が増えている。 The number of patients suffering from the aftereffects of infectious diseases is increasing.
3. 手術は成功したが、後遺症が残る可能性があると言われた。 The surgery was successful, but I was told there was a possibility of lasting aftereffects.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, recovery, health news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 後 (kou, after) + 遺 (i, leave behind) + 症 (shou, symptom). Literally 'symptoms left behind afterwards.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal