Translation guide
Describes substances, products, or actions that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the prefix 抗菌 (こうきん) or the term 抗菌性 (こうきんせい).
To say that something has the property of killing or inhibiting bacteria, often used for soaps, wipes, coatings, etc.
antibacterial soap · antibacterial wipes · antibacterial coating
The most common and versatile term. Used as a prefix or standalone noun meaning 'antibacterial'. Often seen on product labels.
To talk about medicines that fight bacterial infections, such as antibiotics.
These three terms are often confused. 抗菌 (こうきん) means 'antibacterial' – inhibiting growth or killing bacteria. 除菌 (じょきん) means 'removing bacteria' – reducing the number of bacteria, but not necessarily killing them. 殺菌 (さっきん) means 'sterilizing' or 'killing bacteria' – a stronger claim. On product labels, 抗菌 is common for everyday items, while 除菌 is used for cleaning products, and 殺菌 for medical or food safety contexts.
In English, 'antibacterial' is often used loosely for cleaning products. In Japanese, the specific term used depends on the action: 抗菌 for inhibiting growth, 除菌 for removal, 殺菌 for killing. Check the product's function before choosing a term.
この石鹸は抗菌作用があります。
This soap has antibacterial properties.
抗菌加工のまな板を買いました。
I bought an antibacterial cutting board.
Specifically means 'antibacterial property' or 'antibacterial quality'. Often used in more technical or descriptive contexts.
この素材は高い抗菌性を持っています。
This material has high antibacterial properties.
Means 'bacteria removal' or 'sanitizing'. While not exactly 'antibacterial', it is often used on similar products (wipes, sprays) and implies reducing bacteria. Note: 除菌 does not necessarily kill all bacteria, unlike 殺菌.
除菌 means 'removing bacteria', not necessarily killing them. For 'sterilizing' or 'killing bacteria', use 殺菌 (さっきん).
除菌シートでテーブルを拭いてください。
Please wipe the table with antibacterial wipes.
Means 'sterilization' or 'bactericidal'. Stronger than 抗菌; implies killing bacteria. Often used in medical or food safety contexts.
病院では殺菌が徹底されています。
Sterilization is thoroughly practiced in hospitals.
The standard medical term for 'antibacterial drug' or 'antibiotic'. Used by healthcare professionals.
医者は抗菌薬を処方しました。
The doctor prescribed an antibacterial drug.
Literally 'antibiotic substance'. The common term for 'antibiotics' in everyday language. Often used interchangeably with 抗菌薬, but 抗生物質 is more widely understood.
風邪に抗生物質は効きません。
Antibiotics don't work for a cold.