Translation guide
The English word 'bleach' can refer to a chemical substance used for whitening or disinfecting, or the act of using such a substance. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 漂白剤 (hyōhakuzai) for the substance, and the verb 漂白する (hyōhaku suru) for the action. However, in everyday contexts, more specific terms like ブリーチ (burīchi) for hair bleach or 塩素系漂白剤 (enso-kei hyōhakuzai) for chlorine bleach are often used.
Referring to the liquid or powder used to whiten clothes, clean surfaces, or disinfect.
General term for bleaching agent. Can be used for laundry, cleaning, etc.
I used bleach to whiten the shirt.
Loanword from English, commonly used for hair bleach or sometimes laundry bleach in casual contexts.
I bleached my hair.
Chlorine-based bleach, often used for disinfection and whitening. Common in household products.
Chlorine bleach is used for disinfection.
Oxygen-based bleach, gentler and often used for colored fabrics.
Oxygen bleach is safe for colored items.
The process of whitening or lightening something, such as hair, fabric, or teeth.
Verb meaning 'to bleach'. Used for various contexts.
She bleached her hair.
Casual verb for bleaching, especially hair.
I had my hair bleached at the salon.
General phrase meaning 'to make white', can be used when the method is not specified or obvious.
You can whiten clothes with this detergent.
Referring to the product or process of lightening hair color.
Common term for hair bleach products.
I bought hair bleach at the drugstore.
Literally 'decolorizing agent', used for hair or other materials.
Remove hair color with a decolorizer.
Do not use 'ブリーチ' for all contexts. For laundry or cleaning, '漂白剤' is more natural. 'ブリーチ' is strongly associated with hair.
漂白剤 is the standard term for chemical bleach (laundry, cleaning). ブリーチ is a loanword used mainly for hair bleach or in casual speech. In formal or written contexts, prefer 漂白剤.