Translation guide
The process of cleaning something to remove or kill germs, bacteria, or viruses. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 消毒 (shōdoku), but there are also more specific or technical terms depending on the context.
To clean something by killing harmful microorganisms, often using chemicals or heat. This is the most common everyday meaning.
The standard word for disinfection in most contexts, from medical settings to household cleaning. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (消毒する).
Please disinfect your hands.
This area is disinfected regularly.
Literally 'killing bacteria'. Often used for sterilization of surfaces, food, or equipment. More technical than 消毒, but common in product labels.
This spray has a strong disinfecting effect.
Means 'removing bacteria'. Often used for cleaning products that reduce bacteria rather than completely killing them. Common in household goods.
Please wipe the desk with a disinfecting wipe.
To completely destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores. Used in medical, laboratory, or industrial contexts.
The technical term for sterilization, implying the complete destruction of all microorganisms. Used for surgical instruments, lab equipment, etc.
The surgical instruments have been sterilized.
Can also be used in the sense of sterilization, but less absolute than 滅菌. Often seen in food processing.
Specifically treating water, air, or large areas to make them safe from pathogens.
Also used for water disinfection (e.g., chlorination) or environmental disinfection.
The pool water is disinfected with chlorine.
Means 'purification', often used for water or air purification, which may include disinfection as part of the process.
These terms are often confused. 消毒 (shōdoku) is the general term for disinfection, killing harmful germs. 殺菌 (sakkin) means killing bacteria, often used in a broader sense. 除菌 (jokin) means removing bacteria, not necessarily killing them. 滅菌 (mekkin) is complete sterilization, eliminating all microorganisms. In everyday life, 消毒 is the safest choice.
For hand disinfection, we use alcohol.
This detergent has a bacteria-removing effect.
この牛乳は殺菌処理されています。
This milk has been sterilized.
浄水場で水を浄化しています。
Water is purified at the water treatment plant.