Translation guide
A substance that kills germs, used for cleaning surfaces, wounds, or skin. Japanese distinguishes between medical antiseptics, household disinfectants, and sterilizing agents.
A chemical liquid or spray used to kill germs on surfaces, in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
The most common general term for disinfectant solution. Used for household cleaning, hand sanitizing, etc.
この消毒液はウイルスに効果があります。
This disinfectant is effective against viruses.
台所のシンクを消毒液で拭いてください。
Please wipe the kitchen sink with disinfectant.
A broader term for disinfectant agents, including powders, tablets, etc. Slightly more technical than 消毒液.
この消毒剤は水に溶かして使います。
This disinfectant is dissolved in water before use.
Specifically a spray-type disinfectant, often used for fabrics, air, or surfaces. '除菌' means 'bacteria removal'.
ソファに除菌スプレーをかけました。
I sprayed disinfectant on the sofa.
A substance applied to skin or wounds to prevent infection.
Also used for skin disinfection, but often specified as '傷の消毒液' (wound disinfectant).
傷口に消毒液をつけてください。
Please apply disinfectant to the wound.
Rubbing alcohol, the most common skin antiseptic. Often used for hand sanitizing.
手を消毒用アルコールで拭きました。
I wiped my hands with rubbing alcohol.
A stronger term meaning 'germicide', used more in medical or industrial contexts. Can be too harsh for skin.
A gel or liquid for hand disinfection without water.
Formal term for hand sanitizer. Often seen in hospitals or public places.
入り口に手指消毒剤が置いてあります。
Hand sanitizer is placed at the entrance.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, often in gel form. Very common in daily conversation.
アルコール消毒液で手を消毒してください。
Please sanitize your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Short for 'alcohol for hand use'. Common on product labels.
この手指用アルコールは速乾性です。
This hand sanitizer is quick-drying.
消毒 (shōdoku) means disinfection, killing harmful microorganisms. 除菌 (jokin) means removing or reducing bacteria, often used for household products. 殺菌 (sakkin) means sterilization or killing all microorganisms, a stronger term. For everyday 'disinfectant', 消毒液 is safest.
Mouthwash or gargle is うがい薬 (ugaiyaku), not 消毒液. Using surface disinfectant in the mouth is dangerous.
この殺菌剤は皮膚に使用しないでください。
Do not use this germicide on skin.