Translation guide
To completely remove or destroy something undesirable, such as a disease, pest, or problem. Japanese expressions vary by what is being eradicated and the method used.
To wipe out a disease, virus, or pest so that it no longer exists in a particular area or globally.
The most direct equivalent for 'eradicate', often used for diseases or pests. Implies complete elimination from the root.
天然痘は根絶された。
Smallpox has been eradicated.
It is difficult to eradicate malaria from this region.
Often used for pests, vermin, or social evils. Conveys a sense of striking down or wiping out.
ゴキブリを撲滅する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to eradicate cockroaches.
政府は汚職を撲滅すると約束した。
The government promised to eradicate corruption.
Specifically for exterminating pests, insects, or vermin. Less formal than 撲滅.
シロアリを駆除してもらった。
I had termites eradicated.
To completely remove a social problem, bad habit, or way of thinking.
Also used for abstract things like discrimination or poverty, emphasizing complete removal.
貧困を根絶することは容易ではない。
Eradicating poverty is not easy.
Means 'to sweep away' or 'clean up'. Used for clearing out undesirable elements, often in a decisive action.
警察は街から暴力団を一掃した。
The police eradicated the gangsters from the town.
Used for social ills like crime or corruption, implying a vigorous campaign.
テロを撲滅するために国際協力が必要だ。
International cooperation is necessary to eradicate terrorism.
To clear an area of something unwanted, such as weeds or traces.
General term for removing something unwanted. Not as strong as 'eradicate' but commonly used for physical removal.
庭の雑草を取り除いた。
I eradicated the weeds from the garden.
To cut off or sever. Used for stopping the source or supply of something, like a bad habit or influence.
悪の根源を絶たなければならない。
We must eradicate the root of evil.
根絶 (konzetsu) is the most direct translation for 'eradicate' and is used for diseases and abstract problems. 撲滅 (bokumetsu) implies a more aggressive, often campaign-style elimination, suitable for pests and social evils. 駆除 (kujo) is specifically for exterminating pests and vermin, often in a domestic or agricultural context.
Do not use these words for simple cleaning or removal of objects. For example, 'eradicate dust' would not use 根絶; instead use 取り除く (remove) or 掃除する (clean).