Translation guide
The complete removal or destruction of something undesirable, such as a disease, pest, or problem. Japanese expressions vary depending on what is being eradicated and the context.
To express the complete elimination of something undesirable, like a disease, pest, or social problem.
The most common and versatile word for eradication, used for diseases, pests, drugs, crime, etc. Often used in official campaigns.
ポリオの撲滅はもうすぐ達成される。
The eradication of polio will soon be achieved.
政府は麻薬の撲滅に力を入れている。
The government is putting effort into the eradication of drugs.
Literally 'root extinction', emphasizing complete removal from the root. Often used for diseases, weeds, or deeply rooted problems.
天然痘は根絶された唯一の人間の感染症だ。
Smallpox is the only human infectious disease that has been eradicated.
Used for extermination of pests, vermin, or weeds. Implies removal by human action, often physical or chemical.
ゴキブリの駆除を業者に頼んだ。
I hired a professional for cockroach eradication.
Means 'sweeping clean' or 'wiping out'. Used for clearing out undesirable elements, often in a decisive action.
汚職を一掃する必要がある。
We need to eradicate corruption.
To express the elimination of social issues or abstract concepts.
Also used for abstract problems like poverty or discrimination, especially in formal contexts.
貧困の撲滅は国際社会の目標だ。
The eradication of poverty is a goal of the international community.
Can be used for deeply rooted social issues, emphasizing complete elimination.
Means 'resolution' or 'elimination' of problems, often used for stress, queues, or imbalances. Softer than eradication.
To express complete removal in a medical or scientific context.
Specifically means 'elimination of bacteria/germs'. Common in medical and hygiene contexts.
ピロリ菌の除菌に成功した。
We succeeded in the eradication of H. pylori.
Used in medical contexts for complete eradication of a pathogen from a population or individual.
撲滅 is the broadest term for eradication, often used in campaigns. 根絶 emphasizes complete removal from the root, often for diseases or deeply rooted problems. 駆除 is for pests and vermin, implying extermination by human action.
For erasing writing, data, or traces, use 消去 (しょうきょ) or 削除 (さくじょ). Eradication in English can sometimes mean 'erasing', but the Japanese words above are for eliminating undesirable things, not digital or physical marks.
差別の根絶を目指して活動している。
We are working towards the eradication of discrimination.
交通渋滞の解消が急務だ。
The eradication of traffic congestion is an urgent task.
ウイルスの根絶は難しい。
Eradication of the virus is difficult.