Translation guide
The concept of impurity in Japanese is deeply tied to cultural notions of cleanliness, pollution, and moral or spiritual defilement. It is often expressed through words related to dirtiness, contamination, or taboo, and the choice depends on whether the impurity is physical, spiritual, or metaphorical.
To refer to a state of being spiritually unclean or defiled, often in a religious or traditional context.
The most common term for spiritual impurity or defilement in Shinto and Buddhist contexts. It implies a state that requires purification.
神社に入る前に手を洗って穢れを落とす。
Before entering the shrine, wash your hands to remove impurity.
Refers to impurity, especially in a religious sense, often associated with death, blood, or childbirth. More formal and traditional.
昔は出産は不浄と見なされていた。
In the past, childbirth was considered impure.
Primarily means physical dirt or stain, but can metaphorically extend to moral or spiritual impurity in some contexts.
心の汚れを清める。
Purify the impurity of the heart.
To describe something that is physically dirty, contaminated, or not pure, such as water, air, or substances.
The standard term for impurities in a substance, like contaminants in water or chemicals. Used in scientific and everyday contexts.
この水には不純物が含まれている。
This water contains impurities.
Refers to something mixed in that reduces purity, often used for adulterated goods or substances.
Means pollution or contamination, often used for environmental impurity.
To express a lack of moral purity, such as corruption, sinfulness, or ethical defilement.
Used metaphorically for moral stain or corruption. Often appears in phrases like 心の汚れ (impurity of heart).
彼の心には汚れがない。
There is no impurity in his heart.
Means impure or unchaste, often used for motives, thoughts, or relationships. Can imply a lack of innocence.
Means corruption or depravity, a stronger term for moral decay.
Both refer to spiritual impurity, but 穢れ is the broader, more common term in modern contexts, while 不浄 is more formal and often tied to specific taboos like death or blood in traditional settings.
English 'impurity' can cover many concepts, but Japanese uses distinct words. Using 不純 for physical contamination sounds unnatural; use 不純物 instead.
この蜂蜜は混ざり物がない。
This honey has no impurities.
Air pollution (impurity) is serious.
Act with impure motives.
The corruption (impurity) of power is inevitable.