Translation guide
The English word 'germ' can refer to a microorganism that causes disease, or to a seed or bud in biology. This guide focuses on the common meaning of disease-causing microbe, and briefly covers the biological sense.
The speaker wants to refer to tiny organisms, especially bacteria and viruses, that cause illness.
Wash your hands to get rid of germs. · Germs can spread through coughing. · This spray kills 99% of germs.
The most common, everyday word for 'germ' in the sense of harmful bacteria or microbes. Often used when talking about hygiene or illness, especially with children.
The speaker is referring to a small part of a plant from which a new plant can grow, such as a seed, spore, or bud.
Refers to the embryo or germ of a seed, especially in botanical or nutritional contexts (e.g., wheat germ).
In English, 'germ' is a casual umbrella term for bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. In Japanese, ばい菌 (baikin) is the closest equivalent, but it primarily suggests harmful bacteria. For viruses, use ウイルス. For a neutral scientific term, use 微生物 (びせいぶつ, microorganism).
手にはばい菌がたくさんついているよ。
There are lots of germs on your hands.
I disinfected the wound so germs wouldn't get in.
A more technical term for 'bacteria'. Used in medical or scientific contexts, but also in everyday health discussions.
This medicine inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Specifically means 'virus'. While not a bacterium, it is often lumped together with germs in casual English. Use this when the illness is known to be viral.
The cold virus is going around.
Literally 'pathogenic bacteria'. A formal, scientific term. Used in medical or biological contexts.
Build immunity against pathogenic germs.
Wheat germ is rich in nutrients.
General word for 'bud' or 'sprout'. Can be used for the germ of a seed in everyday language.
The potato has sprouted (germs).