Translation guide
The process of cleaning something to remove or kill germs, bacteria, or viruses. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 消毒 (shōdoku), but there are also more specific or technical terms depending on the context.
To clean something by killing harmful microorganisms, often using chemicals or heat. This is the most common everyday meaning.
The standard word for disinfection in most contexts, from medical settings to household cleaning. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (消毒する).
手を消毒してください。
Please disinfect your hands.
このエリアは定期的に消毒されています。
This area is disinfected regularly.
Literally 'killing bacteria'. Often used for sterilization of surfaces, food, or equipment. More technical than 消毒, but common in product labels.
このスプレーは強力な殺菌効果があります。
This spray has a strong disinfecting effect.
Means 'removing bacteria'. Often used for cleaning products that reduce bacteria rather than completely killing them. Common in household goods.
除菌シートで机を拭いてください。
Please wipe the desk with a disinfecting wipe.
To completely destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores. Used in medical, laboratory, or industrial contexts.
The technical term for sterilization, implying the complete destruction of all microorganisms. Used for surgical instruments, lab equipment, etc.
手術器具は滅菌されています。
The surgical instruments have been sterilized.
Can also be used in the sense of sterilization, but less absolute than 滅菌. Often seen in food processing.
Specifically treating water, air, or large areas to make them safe from pathogens.
Also used for water disinfection (e.g., chlorination) or environmental disinfection.
プールの水は塩素で消毒されています。
The pool water is disinfected with chlorine.
Means 'purification', often used for water or air purification, which may include disinfection as part of the process.
These terms are often confused. 消毒 (shōdoku) is the general term for disinfection, killing harmful germs. 殺菌 (sakkin) means killing bacteria, often used in a broader sense. 除菌 (jokin) means removing bacteria, not necessarily killing them. 滅菌 (mekkin) is complete sterilization, eliminating all microorganisms. In everyday life, 消毒 is the safest choice.
手指の消毒にはアルコールを使います。
For hand disinfection, we use alcohol.
この洗剤は除菌効果があります。
This detergent has a bacteria-removing effect.
この牛乳は殺菌処理されています。
This milk has been sterilized.
Water is purified at the water treatment plant.