Translation guide
The concept of pollution in Japanese is most commonly expressed with 汚染 (おせん), but the best word depends on what is being polluted (air, water, noise, etc.) and whether you are talking about environmental contamination or moral corruption.
To refer to pollution of the environment, such as air, water, or soil, often in a scientific or news context.
The standard term for environmental pollution. Often used in compounds like 大気汚染 (air pollution) or 水質汚染 (water pollution).
大気汚染が深刻な問題になっている。
Air pollution has become a serious problem.
工場からの排水が川の汚染を引き起こした。
Wastewater from the factory caused pollution of the river.
Refers specifically to pollution or environmental damage caused by industrial or human activity that affects public health. Often translated as 'environmental pollution' or 'public nuisance'. Historically associated with Japan's pollution-related diseases.
四大公害病は日本の公害の歴史を象徴している。
The four major pollution-related diseases symbolize the history of environmental pollution in Japan.
Literally 'environmental pollution'. A broader, more formal term often used in academic or policy contexts.
環境汚染を防ぐための法律が制定された。
A law was enacted to prevent environmental pollution.
To specify the kind of pollution, such as air, water, noise, etc.
Air pollution. The most common compound.
今日は大気汚染がひどいので、マスクを着用してください。
Air pollution is severe today, so please wear a mask.
Marine pollution.
プラスチックごみによる海洋汚染が世界的な問題だ。
Marine pollution caused by plastic waste is a global problem.
Soil pollution.
Light pollution. A less common but recognized term.
To express the idea of polluting one's mind, soul, or morals, often in a literary or metaphorical sense.
Can be used metaphorically for corruption of the mind or spirit, though less common than the environmental sense.
暴力映像が子供の心を汚染する。
Violent images pollute children's minds.
Refers to spiritual impurity or defilement, often in a Shinto or traditional context. Not used for environmental pollution.
Means 'corruption' or 'depravity', often moral. Not directly 'pollution' but can be used in similar contexts.
汚染 (おせん) refers to the state of being polluted or the act of polluting, focusing on the contamination itself. 公害 (こうがい) emphasizes the harm to the public, often with legal and health implications. For example, 大気汚染 is air pollution, while 大気汚染公害 refers to the public nuisance caused by air pollution.
Noise pollution is typically 騒音公害 (そうおんこうがい) or 騒音問題 (そうおんもんだい), not 騒音汚染. Using 汚染 for noise is uncommon and may sound odd.
Water pollution (quality-focused).
水質汚染の原因は工場排水だと言われている。
The cause of the water pollution is said to be factory effluent.
土壌汚染の調査が行われた。
A survey of soil pollution was conducted.
Noise pollution (often using 公害).
空港の近くでは騒音公害が深刻だ。
Noise pollution is serious near the airport.
It's become hard to see the stars because of light pollution.
神社に入る前に手を洗って穢れを落とす。
Before entering the shrine, wash your hands to cleanse impurity.
Power can corrupt people.