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.
漂白剤を使ってシャツを白くした。
I used bleach to whiten the shirt.
Loanword from English, commonly used for hair bleach or sometimes laundry bleach in casual contexts.
髪をブリーチした。
I bleached my hair.
Chlorine-based bleach, often used for disinfection and whitening. Common in household products.
塩素系漂白剤は消毒に使われる。
Chlorine bleach is used for disinfection.
Oxygen-based bleach, gentler and often used for colored fabrics.
色物には酸素系漂白剤が安全です。
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.
彼女は髪を漂白した。
She bleached her hair.
Casual verb for bleaching, especially hair.
美容院でブリーチしてもらった。
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.
この洗剤で服を白くできる。
You can whiten clothes with this detergent.
Referring to the product or process of lightening hair color.
Common term for hair bleach products.
ドラッグストアでヘアブリーチを買った。
I bought hair bleach at the drugstore.
Literally 'decolorizing agent', used for hair or other materials.
脱色剤で髪の色を抜く。
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.