1.
athlete's foot; tinea pedis; ringworm of the foot
A common fungal infection of the skin on the feet, causing itching, peeling, and sometimes blisters. Medically known as foot ringworm.
水虫がうつった。
I caught athlete's foot.
Literally "water bug," but has nothing to do with insects. The name likely comes from the blistering appearance resembling water droplets and the itchy, creeping sensation. Extremely common in Japan, partly due to the warm, humid climate and the frequent wearing of enclosed shoes. The medical term is 白癬 (ringworm/tinea).
Common collocations
- 水虫になる: to get athlete's foot
- 水虫がうつる: to catch athlete's foot (from someone)
- 水虫の薬: athlete's foot medicine
- 水虫を治す: to cure athlete's foot
- 水虫予防: athlete's foot prevention
Related words
- 白癬: tinea; ringworm — the formal medical term for fungal skin infections
- 爪水虫: toenail fungus — a more stubborn variant affecting the nails
Cultural note
In Japan, where people remove shoes indoors and share bathing facilities like 銭湯 (public baths) and 温泉 (hot springs), awareness of 水虫 is high. Drugstores carry a wide selection of treatments, and the condition is openly discussed without much stigma.