Translation guide
The English word "filter" can be a noun or a verb. This guide covers how to express filtering in Japanese, from physical filters to digital and metaphorical uses.
A device or material that removes impurities from liquids, air, etc.
The most common and versatile loanword for any kind of filter, used in everyday contexts.
コーヒーフィルターを買わなきゃ。
I need to buy coffee filters.
エアコンのフィルターを掃除した。
I cleaned the air conditioner filter.
A more technical term for a filtration device, often used in scientific or industrial contexts.
この浄水器は高性能のろ過器を使っています。
This water purifier uses a high-performance filter.
Refers specifically to a strainer or sieve, often used in cooking.
味噌汁を作るのにこし器を使う。
I use a strainer to make miso soup.
The action of passing something through a filter to remove unwanted elements.
A common phrase meaning 'to apply a filter', used for both physical and digital filtering.
写真にフィルターをかける。
I apply a filter to the photo.
この装置は水にフィルターをかけて浄化します。
This device filters the water to purify it.
The technical verb for 'to filter', used in science and engineering.
溶液をろ過して不純物を取り除く。
Filter the solution to remove impurities.
Means 'to strain' or 'to filter' in cooking contexts, like straining broth.
だしをこす。
Strain the broth.
A software tool that modifies data, such as images, sound, or search results.
The standard term for digital filters in apps and software.
このアプリにはたくさんのフィルターがある。
This app has many filters.
検索結果をフィルターで絞り込む。
Narrow down search results with a filter.
Means 'to narrow down' or 'to refine', often used for filtering search results or lists.
To remove or block something undesirable, often metaphorically.
General verb meaning 'to remove', often used when talking about filtering out noise or unwanted elements.
ノイズを取り除くフィルター。
A filter that removes noise.
スパムメールを取り除く。
Filter out spam emails.
Means 'to block' or 'to cut off', used for filtering out light, sound, or harmful content.
有害なサイトを遮断するフィルター。
A filter that blocks harmful sites.
Loanword verb for 'to filter', often used in IT contexts like content filtering.
このソフトは不適切なコンテンツをフィルタリングします。
This software filters inappropriate content.
A transparent material that selectively transmits light of different colors.
Used for photographic filters, colored gels, etc.
レンズに赤いフィルターを付ける。
Attach a red filter to the lens.
Specifically a color filter.
舞台照明に色フィルターを使う。
Use color filters for stage lighting.
フィルター is the everyday word for any filter. ろ過器 is a technical term used mainly in scientific or industrial contexts. For most situations, フィルター is sufficient.
In English, 'filter' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'filter your thoughts'). In Japanese, such metaphorical use is less common. Instead, use verbs like 選ぶ (choose) or 控える (refrain).
エアフィルターを交換しないと。
I need to change the air filter.
このアプリでは価格で絞り込めます。
This app lets you filter by price.
条件で絞り込む。
Filter by conditions.