Translation guide
The English word 'pure' covers several distinct meanings: not mixed or adulterated, morally clean, sheer or complete, and clear/clean in sound or color. Japanese uses different words for each nuance.
Describing a substance that is free from any other elements, 100% something.
The most common and versatile word for 'pure' in the sense of unadulterated, genuine, or untainted. Used for substances, motives, and abstract concepts.
これは純粋な金です。
This is pure gold.
I was moved by his pure heart.
Often used for 'pure' in emotional or moral contexts, like pure love or pure heart. Slightly more literary or emotional than 純粋.
純な愛を信じている。
I believe in pure love.
Means pure, innocent, or unblemished. Often used for people, especially children, or for materials like pure white silk.
彼女は無垢な笑顔を見せた。
She showed a pure smile.
Literally 'without admixture'. Used for substances or feelings that are completely pure, with no foreign elements.
混じりけのない喜びを感じた。
I felt pure joy.
Describing a person, thought, or action free from moral corruption or sin.
Emphasizes moral purity, cleanliness, and chastity. Often used in religious or poetic contexts.
清らかな心を持ち続けたい。
I want to keep a pure heart.
彼女は清らかな女性だ。
She is a pure woman.
Specifically refers to chastity or sexual purity. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
純潔な生活を送る。
Lead a pure life.
Also used for moral innocence, especially of children or those untainted by the world.
子供の無垢な心。
A child's pure heart.
Used for emphasis to mean 'nothing other than', often with abstract nouns like luck, coincidence, nonsense.
Means 'sheer' or 'complete'. Used with nouns like 偶然 (coincidence), 幸運 (luck), 無駄 (waste).
それはまったくの偶然だった。
It was pure coincidence.
まったくの無駄だ。
It's a pure waste.
Means 'mere' or 'just'. Often used when dismissing something as nothing more than what is stated.
それは単なる言い訳だ。
That's pure excuse.
Describing a sound, color, or light that is clear, unclouded, and beautiful.
English 'pure' maps to many Japanese words. Using 純粋 for 'pure coincidence' or 'pure voice' sounds unnatural. Choose the word that fits the specific meaning.
純粋な偶然とは言わない。
We don't say 'pure coincidence' with 純粋.