Updated on March 6, 2024
Therapy, a word of Greek origin, 'therapeia' meaning 'curing, healing', has become a vital concept in modern healthcare and personal development. It signifies the process of treating physical or mental disorders, as well as promoting overall well-being. The significance of therapy extends beyond clinical settings, influencing various cultural contexts worldwide.
Interestingly, the word 'therapy' has been adopted and adapted into many languages, each time carrying its own cultural nuances. For instance, in Spanish, therapy is 'terapia', in French, it's 'thérapie', while in Japanese, it's 'セラピー' (serapii). These translations not only reflect linguistic diversity but also the global recognition of therapy's importance.
Understanding the translation of therapy in different languages can be beneficial in several ways. It can foster cross-cultural communication, promote global mental health awareness, and even provide a unique perspective into how different cultures perceive and approach mental health.
Here are some translations of the word 'therapy' that highlight its global significance and cultural importance:
Afrikaans | terapie | ||
The word 'terapie' in Afrikaans comes from the Greek word 'therapeia', meaning 'healing' or 'cure'. | |||
Amharic | ቴራፒ | ||
In Amharic, the word "ቴራፒ" originally referred to religious services and healing rituals. | |||
Hausa | far | ||
The word "far" in Hausa also means "to heal" or "to cure". | |||
Igbo | ọgwụgwọ | ||
'Ọgwụgwọ' also means 'medicine', a substance or mixture of substances used for treating or preventing a disease. | |||
Malagasy | fitsaboana | ||
In Malagasy, the word "fitsaboana" can also refer to a traditional healer or a specific type of traditional medicine | |||
Nyanja (Chichewa) | mankhwala | ||
The word "mankhwala" in Nyanja can also refer to a medicine or medication used for healing purposes. | |||
Shona | kurapa | ||
Shona "kurapa" also means "to cultivate," linking physical health to spiritual growth through working the land. | |||
Somali | daaweyn | ||
The Somali word "daaweyn" can also mean "a potion" | |||
Sesotho | phekolo | ||
Phekolo also refers to a Sesotho folk dance that is performed for entertainment as well as healing purposes, and a traditional Sesotho healing dance. | |||
Swahili | tiba | ||
"Tiba" can also mean "treatment" or "cure" in Swahili. | |||
Xhosa | unyango | ||
The word "unyango" ("therapy") also denotes a "charm" or "spell" in Xhosa. | |||
Yoruba | itọju ailera | ||
The word "itọju ailera" literally means "treatment of sickness" in Yoruba, highlighting its holistic approach to well-being. | |||
Zulu | ukwelashwa | ||
The word 'ukwelashwa' in Zulu means both 'therapy' and 'to be washed afresh', suggesting a connection between healing and spiritual cleansing. | |||
Bambara | furakɛli | ||
Ewe | atikewɔwɔ | ||
Kinyarwanda | ubuvuzi | ||
Lingala | thérapie ya monganga | ||
Luganda | obujjanjabi | ||
Sepedi | kalafo | ||
Twi (Akan) | ayaresa | ||
Arabic | علاج نفسي | ||
The word "علاج نفسي" in Arabic also means "psychological treatment" or "counseling". | |||
Hebrew | תֶרַפּיָה | ||
The word "תֶרַפּיָה" derives from the Greek word "therapeia" meaning "service" or "attendance" to the gods. | |||
Pashto | درملنه | ||
The word "درملنه" in Pashto can also refer to a "remedy" or a "cure". | |||
Arabic | علاج نفسي | ||
The word "علاج نفسي" in Arabic also means "psychological treatment" or "counseling". |
Albanian | terapi | ||
Albanian 'terapi' is also used for 'treatment of medical conditions' or 'curative powers' | |||
Basque | terapia | ||
The Basque word "terapia" derives from the Latin "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "cure". | |||
Catalan | teràpia | ||
"Teràpia" in Catalan is ultimately derived from the Greek word "therapeía," which means "healing" or "treatment." | |||
Croatian | terapija | ||
The word "terapija" in Croatian is derived from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "medical treatment" or "healing", and originally referred to the art of healing by means of physical agents such as massage, exercise, and heat. | |||
Danish | terapi | ||
In Danish, "terapi" can also mean "treatment" or "cure." | |||
Dutch | therapie | ||
"Therapie" in Dutch also means "service" or "attendance," derived from the Greek word "therapeia," meaning "care" or "attendance." | |||
English | therapy | ||
The word "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "treatment" or "healing", which is also the root of the word "theatrics". | |||
French | thérapie | ||
"Thérapie" in French can also refer to "treatment" or "cure", emphasizing a specific medical procedure or intervention. | |||
Frisian | terapy | ||
In Frisian, "terapy" can also refer to a healing mud used in traditional medicine. | |||
Galician | terapia | ||
"Terapia" in Galician also historically referred to a treatment based on bloodletting. | |||
German | therapie | ||
Therapie, from the Greek "therapeia," can refer to medical treatment, psychotherapy, or the process of healing wounds. | |||
Icelandic | meðferð | ||
In Icelandic, "meðferð" not only refers to therapy but also to conduct, behavior, or treatment. | |||
Irish | teiripe | ||
The Irish word "teiripe" also means "pilgrimage" or "act of penance" | |||
Italian | terapia | ||
The Italian word 'terapia' derives from the Greek 'therapeia', meaning 'care' or 'cure'. | |||
Luxembourgish | therapie | ||
Besides 'therapy', the word 'Therapie' also means 'therapist' in Luxembourgish. | |||
Maltese | terapija | ||
Maltese "terapija" comes from Ancient Greek word "therapeia" meaning "service" but also "medical treatment". | |||
Norwegian | terapi | ||
(Norw.) The word can also be used to mean 'care' or 'treatment'. | |||
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | terapia | ||
"terapia" derives from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing". In Brazil, it also refers to group discussions led by a psychologist or other professional. | |||
Scots Gaelic | leigheas | ||
In Scots Gaelic, 'leigheas' can also refer to the practice of medicine or a cure for an illness. | |||
Spanish | terapia | ||
In Ancient Greek, the word 'therapeia' originally meant 'service' or 'attendance', and was used to describe the care of the sick or injured. | |||
Swedish | terapi | ||
The word 'terapi' in Swedish also means 'carpet' or 'rug'. | |||
Welsh | therapi | ||
The word 'therapi' derives from the Greek 'therapeia', meaning 'service' or 'attendance', and shares its root with the word 'theatre'. |
Belarusian | тэрапія | ||
The word "тэрапія" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "treatment". | |||
Bosnian | terapija | ||
The word 'terapija' comes from the Greek word 'therapeia', which means 'healing' or 'treatment'. | |||
Bulgarian | терапия | ||
Понятието „терапия“ първоначално означава „грижа“, „служене“, а от 18 век започва да се свързва с лечение на болести | |||
Czech | terapie | ||
The Czech word "terapie" comes from the Greek word "therapeia" which means "healing" or "treatment". | |||
Estonian | teraapia | ||
The word "teraapia" derives from the Greek word "therapeia," meaning "attendance" or "servicing." | |||
Finnish | hoito | ||
The word "hoito" derives from Proto-Finnic word "hoite-" meaning "to care for". | |||
Hungarian | terápia | ||
The term 'terápia' came about via the Latin language, but also serves as the name of several geographical places in Hungary. | |||
Latvian | terapija | ||
In Latvian, "terapija" can also refer to physical therapy or occupational therapy. | |||
Lithuanian | terapija | ||
"Terapija" also means "maintenance" in Lithuanian. | |||
Macedonian | терапија | ||
The word "терапија" is derived from the Greek word "θεραπεία", which means "healing" or "treatment". | |||
Polish | terapia | ||
In Polish, the word "terapia" can also refer to physical therapy or rehabilitation. | |||
Romanian | terapie | ||
The word "terapie" can also mean "cure" or "treatment" in Romanian. | |||
Russian | терапия | ||
In Russian, the word "терапия" also refers to "internal medicine", the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of internal organs. | |||
Serbian | терапија | ||
The word "терапија" is derived from the Greek word "θεραπεία", meaning "healing" or "treatment". | |||
Slovak | terapia | ||
Slovak 'terapia' also means 'rehabilitation' or 'remedial treatment'. | |||
Slovenian | terapijo | ||
The word "terapija" (therapy) comes from the Greek word "therapeia", which means "medical treatment." | |||
Ukrainian | терапія | ||
The Ukrainian word "терапія" ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek "θεραπεία" meaning "service". |
Bengali | থেরাপি | ||
Derived from the Greek word 'therapeia', meaning 'care' or 'treatment' | |||
Gujarati | ઉપચાર | ||
ઉપચાર (upchar) derives from उप (upa) meaning "near" and चर (char) meaning "to move"; hence, "to move (i.e., apply) near". | |||
Hindi | चिकित्सा | ||
Therapy derives from the Greek word therapeuō, “to serve” or “to care for,” and is linked to the term therapeia, “treatment” or “healing.” | |||
Kannada | ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ | ||
Malayalam | തെറാപ്പി | ||
The Sanskrit origin of തെറാപ്പി (therapy) suggests its connection with 'service'} | |||
Marathi | उपचार | ||
उपचार (upachaar) also means "treatment", "hospitality", or "respectful behavior" in Marathi. | |||
Nepali | चिकित्सा | ||
The Nepali word "चिकित्सा" is derived from the Sanskrit "chikits", meaning "to treat" or "to cure". | |||
Punjabi | ਥੈਰੇਪੀ | ||
In Punjabi, the word ਥੈਰੇਪੀ is also used to refer to a 'method or technique' used to achieve something. | |||
Sinhala (Sinhalese) | චිකිත්සාව | ||
The term also refers to a form of ancient Indian music that was believed to heal the mind and body. | |||
Tamil | சிகிச்சை | ||
The word also refers to treatment or healing in religious context. | |||
Telugu | చికిత్స | ||
The word "చికిత్స" (therapy) comes from the Sanskrit word "चिकित्सा" (chikitsā), meaning "the art of healing" or "medical treatment". | |||
Urdu | تھراپی | ||
The word 'therapy' is derived from the Greek word 'therapeia', which means 'service' or 'attendance'. |
Chinese (Simplified) | 治疗 | ||
该术语在中医中也表示以药物或针灸等方式治愈疾病或缓解症状的过程。 | |||
Chinese (Traditional) | 治療 | ||
"治療" is also used in Chinese traditional medicine for healing methods like acupuncture. | |||
Japanese | 治療 | ||
The word "治療" (therapy) in Japanese can also mean "healing treatment" or "curing".} | |||
Korean | 요법 | ||
요법 (療法) is a Sino-Korean word meaning 'method of cure' or 'treatment,' but it is also occasionally used in Buddhist contexts to refer to the Buddhist teachings as a 'cure' for spiritual ills. | |||
Mongolian | эмчилгээ | ||
The word эмчилгээ (therapy) derives from the Mongolian word эмч (doctor), and shares the same root with the word эмчлэх (to heal). | |||
Myanmar (Burmese) | ကုထုံး | ||
"ကုထုံး" is derived from the Pali word "upaṭṭhāna", which means "to attend to" or "to care for". It can also refer to specific medical treatments or practices. |
Indonesian | terapi | ||
In Indonesian, the word "terapi" can also mean "treatment", "remedy" or "cure." | |||
Javanese | terapi | ||
In Javanese, terapi also means 'to treat with care and attention'. | |||
Khmer | ការព្យាបាល | ||
Lao | ການປິ່ນປົວ | ||
In English, 'therapy' has the same meaning as it does in Lao but is also used in a more general sense to refer to any treatment, either physical or mental. | |||
Malay | terapi | ||
"Terapi" berasal dari bahasa Sanskerta, "therapati," yang berarti "mengasuh" atau "melayani." | |||
Thai | การบำบัด | ||
The word "การบำบัด" is derived from the Greek word "therapeia" meaning "treatment" or "cure" and can also refer to psychotherapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. | |||
Vietnamese | trị liệu | ||
In Chinese, trị liệu is written as 治疗, which has the literal meaning of "curing disease". | |||
Filipino (Tagalog) | therapy | ||
Azerbaijani | terapiya | ||
The word “terapiya” in Azerbaijani can also refer to a specific kind of folk healing involving a spiritual guide who performs rituals and chants. | |||
Kazakh | терапия | ||
The Kazakh word "терапия" is also used to refer to medical treatment or care. | |||
Kyrgyz | терапия | ||
In Kyrgyz, "терапия" also refers to a type of traditional healing practice. | |||
Tajik | терапия | ||
The word "терапия" can also be translated as "лечение", meaning "treatment" or "cure". | |||
Turkmen | bejergisi | ||
Uzbek | terapiya | ||
The word "terapiya" in Uzbek means "therapy" and is derived from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "service" or "attendance". It can also refer to the traditional Uzbek healing practice of "tabobat", which involves the use of herbal remedies, massage, and spiritual healing. | |||
Uyghur | داۋالاش | ||
Hawaiian | hoʻōla | ||
The word "hoʻōla" also means "to make whole, to heal, or to restore" in Hawaiian. | |||
Maori | whakamaimoa | ||
The Maori word "whakamaimoa" derives from "mai" (illness) and "moa" (chicken), referencing the traditional practice of using chicken feathers to treat illnesses. | |||
Samoan | togafitiga | ||
The word "togafitiga" in Samoan can also refer to the act of massaging or anointing the body with oil. | |||
Tagalog (Filipino) | therapy | ||
In Tagalog, "therapy" is a direct loanword from English, but it can also refer to "a charm, incantation, or spell". |
Aymara | terapia ukax wali askiwa | ||
Guarani | terapia rehegua | ||
Esperanto | terapio | ||
Esperanto’s 'terapio'— ultimately from Ancient Greek— can refer to either medicine or physical therapy as well as psychotherapy. | |||
Latin | lorem | ||
The Latin word 'lorem' can also refer to a bridle or rein. |
Greek | θεραπεία | ||
Θεραπεία in Greek can also mean "service, treatment, cure" or refers to "religious service or ritual." | |||
Hmong | kev kho | ||
"Kev kho" is also used to refer to "a cure, antidote, or remedy for a disease or condition" in Hmong. | |||
Kurdish | noşîkerî | ||
The Kurdish word "noşîkerî" is a compound word consisting of "noşîn" meaning "to sit" and "kêr" meaning "work," thus literally meaning "to work while sitting." | |||
Turkish | terapi | ||
"Terapi" sözcüğü Türkçe'de ayrıca "eğitim, öğretim" anlamlarına gelir. | |||
Xhosa | unyango | ||
The word "unyango" ("therapy") also denotes a "charm" or "spell" in Xhosa. | |||
Yiddish | טעראַפּיע | ||
In Yiddish, "טעראַפּיע" (therapy) originally referred to medicinal treatments and physical cures. | |||
Zulu | ukwelashwa | ||
The word 'ukwelashwa' in Zulu means both 'therapy' and 'to be washed afresh', suggesting a connection between healing and spiritual cleansing. | |||
Assamese | থেৰাপী | ||
Aymara | terapia ukax wali askiwa | ||
Bhojpuri | चिकित्सा के बारे में बतावल गइल बा | ||
Dhivehi | ތެރަޕީ އެވެ | ||
Dogri | चिकित्सा | ||
Filipino (Tagalog) | therapy | ||
Guarani | terapia rehegua | ||
Ilocano | therapy | ||
Krio | tɛrapi | ||
Kurdish (Sorani) | چارەسەرکردن | ||
Maithili | चिकित्सा | ||
Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯊꯦꯔꯥꯄꯤ ꯇꯧꯕꯥ꯫ | ||
Mizo | therapy hmanga enkawl a ni | ||
Oromo | wal’aansa | ||
Odia (Oriya) | ଚିକିତ୍ସା | ||
Quechua | terapia nisqa | ||
Sanskrit | चिकित्सा | ||
Tatar | терапия | ||
Tigrinya | ፍወሳ | ||
Tsonga | vutshunguri bya vutshunguri | ||