Translation guide
Expresses that something is contaminated or made impure, often by harmful substances. Japanese uses different verbs and adjectives depending on what is polluted (air, water, environment) and the nature of the pollution.
川が汚染されている。
The river is polluted.
To say that the environment, air, or water is contaminated by harmful substances.
Standard term for environmental pollution. Used for air, water, soil, etc. being contaminated by chemicals or waste.
この川は工場の排水で汚染されている。
This river is polluted by factory wastewater.
General verb for becoming dirty or polluted. Can be used for environmental pollution but is broader and less technical than 汚染される.
海が油で汚れた。
The sea became polluted with oil.
To express that someone's mind, heart, or character is corrupted or tainted.
Used metaphorically for moral or spiritual defilement. Often in the form 心が汚れる (the heart/mind becomes polluted).
悪い情報に触れて心が汚れた。
My mind became polluted by exposure to bad information.
Literary/religious term for spiritual impurity or defilement. Often used in Shinto or Buddhist contexts.
To describe air that is polluted, often with visible smog or particulate matter.
Standard phrase for 'the air is polluted'. Used in news and formal contexts.
この都市では大気がひどく汚染されている。
In this city, the air is heavily polluted.
Casual way to say the air is dirty/polluted. More subjective and less formal.
今日は空気が汚いね。
The air is polluted today, isn't it?
汚染される is specifically for contamination by harmful substances (pollution), while 汚れる is a broader term for getting dirty or soiled, including moral pollution. Use 汚染される for environmental contexts.
The soul became polluted by sin.