免疫

• Reading: めんえき
• Romaji: meneki
• Kanji breakdown: 免 (men) — escape, exempt; 疫 (eki) — epidemic, plague
• Pronunciation: /me.n.e.ki/

Meaning

Immunity; immunization. The body's ability to resist a particular infection or disease.

A noun used in medical and scientific contexts. Appears in compounds like 免疫力 (immune strength) and 免疫システム (immune system). Also used figuratively to mean being accustomed to something unpleasant, as in 批判に免疫がある (to be immune to criticism).

Examples

1. ワクチンを打つと免疫がつく。 Getting vaccinated builds up immunity.
2. 睡眠不足は免疫力を下げるらしい。 Apparently, lack of sleep lowers your immune strength.
3. 彼は失敗に対して免疫ができている。 He has built up an immunity to failure.

Usage Guide

Context: health, science, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 免 (men, to escape/exempt) and 疫 (eki, epidemic/plague). Literally 'exempt from plague,' describing the state of being protected from disease.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal