Translation guide
The English verb 'purify' covers a range of actions from physical cleaning to spiritual cleansing. In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is being purified and the method. This guide organizes the most common and useful expressions for an English-speaking learner.
To make something physically clean or pure by removing contaminants, often using a process or device.
This device purifies water.
An air purifier purifies the air in a room.
Often used for ritual or spiritual purification, but can also mean to cleanse physically, especially in a more traditional or poetic sense. Less common for modern technical purification.
He purified himself under the waterfall.
Specifically means to filter, often used for water or liquids. It implies passing through a filter to remove solids.
Filter and drink the water.
To remove spiritual impurity or negative energy, often in religious or traditional contexts.
The standard verb for ritual purification in Shinto or Buddhist contexts. It can be used for purifying a person, place, or object.
Please purify your hands before entering the shrine.
Refers specifically to an exorcism or purification ritual performed by a priest. It is a noun phrase often used with する.
An archaic or literary term for ritual purification by water, such as standing under a waterfall or bathing in a river. Rarely used in modern conversation.
He purified himself in the river.
To make someone or something free from moral impurity, sin, or negative feelings.
Can be used metaphorically for cleansing the heart, mind, or soul. Often appears in literary or religious contexts.
Pray to purify the heart.
A set phrase meaning to cleanse or wash away sins. Often used in Christian contexts.
The blood of Jesus purifies sins.
Can be used metaphorically for emotional or psychological purification, but less common than 清める in spiritual contexts.
Purify the mind through meditation.
清める (kiyomeru) is preferred for spiritual, ritual, or metaphorical purification. 浄化する (jōka suru) is the default for physical/technical purification (water, air, etc.). Using 浄化する for spiritual contexts can sound overly technical or unnatural.
purify hands (ritual)
purify water (physical)
清潔にする (seiketsu ni suru) means 'to clean' or 'to make hygienic', not 'to purify'. It lacks the nuance of removing impurities or spiritual cleansing.
お祓いをして家を清める。
Purify the house with an exorcism.
I had a Shinto priest perform a purification ritual.