毒物
この薬は毒物を含んでいるので、子供の手の届かないところに保管してください。
This medicine contains poison, so please keep it out of reach of children.
A substance that causes injury, illness, or death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by a living organism.
毒物を扱う際は、専用の手袋とマスクを着用することが義務付けられている。
When handling poison, wearing dedicated gloves and masks is mandatory.
Often used in legal, medical, or safety contexts to refer to hazardous substances.
Something that is harmful or destructive to the mind or spirit.
彼の言葉は心に毒物のように残った。
His words remained like poison in her heart.
Used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological harm.
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '毒薬' (dokuyaku)
'毒物' refers to any poisonous substance, while '毒薬' specifically means a medicinal poison or toxic drug. For example, arsenic is a 毒物, but a prescribed toxic drug might be called 毒薬.
Gold Rule
Legal and Safety Context
In Japan, the term '毒物' is legally defined under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law (毒物及び劇物取締法). Always use it with caution in formal or written contexts.
Word Origin
毒 (doku) means 'poison' and 物 (butsu) means 'thing' or 'substance'. The compound word directly translates to 'poisonous substance'.
Usage Notes
In Japanese, 毒物 is a formal term often used in legal, medical, or safety contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation unless referring to a serious situation. Avoid using it to describe mild irritants or general dislikes.