Translation guide
The concept of pollution in Japanese is most commonly expressed with 汚染 (おせん), but the best word depends on what is being polluted (air, water, noise, etc.) and whether you are talking about environmental contamination or moral corruption.
To refer to pollution of the environment, such as air, water, or soil, often in a scientific or news context.
Air pollution has become a serious problem.
Wastewater from the factory caused pollution of the river.
Refers specifically to pollution or environmental damage caused by industrial or human activity that affects public health. Often translated as 'environmental pollution' or 'public nuisance'. Historically associated with Japan's pollution-related diseases.
The four major pollution-related diseases symbolize the history of environmental pollution in Japan.
Literally 'environmental pollution'. A broader, more formal term often used in academic or policy contexts.
A law was enacted to prevent environmental pollution.
To specify the kind of pollution, such as air, water, noise, etc.
To express the idea of polluting one's mind, soul, or morals, often in a literary or metaphorical sense.
Can be used metaphorically for corruption of the mind or spirit, though less common than the environmental sense.
Violent images pollute children's minds.
Refers to spiritual impurity or defilement, often in a Shinto or traditional context. Not used for environmental pollution.
Means 'corruption' or 'depravity', often moral. Not directly 'pollution' but can be used in similar contexts.
汚染 (おせん) refers to the state of being polluted or the act of polluting, focusing on the contamination itself. 公害 (こうがい) emphasizes the harm to the public, often with legal and health implications. For example, 大気汚染 is air pollution, while 大気汚染公害 refers to the public nuisance caused by air pollution.
Noise pollution is typically 騒音公害 (そうおんこうがい) or 騒音問題 (そうおんもんだい), not 騒音汚染. Using 汚染 for noise is uncommon and may sound odd.
Water pollution (quality-focused).
The cause of the water pollution is said to be factory effluent.
Marine pollution caused by plastic waste is a global problem.
A survey of soil pollution was conducted.
Noise pollution (often using 公害).
Noise pollution is serious near the airport.
光害のせいで星が見えにくくなった。
It's become hard to see the stars because of light pollution.
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 cleanse impurity.
権力は人を堕落させることがある。
Power can corrupt people.