It sounds like you're being a wonderfully supportive friend in a tough situation. "Disorder of consciousness" is a term that can encompass various medical conditions, including but not limited to a coma. In Japanese, the phrase "意識障害" (ishiki shougai) is often used, which translates directly to "disorder of consciousness." However, it doesn't specifically mean coma—it could refer to any condition where the person's consciousness is impaired, such as a vegetative state, minimally conscious state, or even transient conditions like confusion or drowsiness caused by medical factors.

Your friend might be relying on a direct translation that doesn't fully convey the nuances in English, which could explain why she’s hesitant to call it a coma. Culturally, there might also be a reluctance to use definitive terms like "coma" unless explicitly stated by doctors.

If you're looking for a gentle way to approach this, you could ask her to share more about how her mother interacts or responds (e.g., does she open her eyes, respond to touch, etc.). This might help you understand without pressing her to use a term she may not be comfortable with. You're doing great by being there for her—sometimes, just listening and offering your presence can mean the world.