Translation guide
The English word 'sanitary' refers to conditions or practices that promote health and prevent disease, especially by being clean and free of germs. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you are describing a state (clean/hygienic), an action (sanitizing), or products/equipment (sanitary goods).
Describing a place, object, or condition as clean and free from germs, promoting health.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'sanitary' as an adjective. Used for environments, practices, and objects.
このレストランはとても衛生的だ。
This restaurant is very sanitary.
衛生的な環境を保つことが大切です。
It's important to maintain a sanitary environment.
Means 'clean' or 'pure'. Often overlaps with 'sanitary' when referring to cleanliness, but focuses more on the absence of dirt rather than the health aspect. Can be used for personal hygiene.
清潔なタオルを使ってください。
Please use a sanitary (clean) towel.
手を清潔に保つ。
Keep your hands sanitary/clean.
The negative form, meaning 'unsanitary'. Useful to know as a warning or description of poor conditions.
その台所は不衛生だ。
That kitchen is unsanitary.
Referring to items used for hygiene, such as sanitary napkins, sanitary ware, or sanitary fittings.
Specifically means 'sanitary products' in the context of menstruation (sanitary napkins, tampons). This is the standard term.
生理用品は薬局で買えます。
You can buy sanitary products at the pharmacy.
A broader term for 'sanitary goods' or 'hygiene products', including masks, disinfectants, etc., not limited to menstrual products.
衛生用品の備蓄が重要だ。
Stockpiling sanitary supplies is important.
Loanword from English, often used in compound terms like サニタリーボックス (sanitary bin) or サニタリールーム (sanitary room). Not used as a standalone adjective.
サニタリーボックスはトイレにあります。
The sanitary bin is in the restroom.
Talking about regulations, standards, or the state of sanitation in a formal or technical context.
Means 'sanitary conditions' or 'state of hygiene'. Used in reports, inspections, or formal descriptions.
この地域の衛生状態は改善された。
The sanitary conditions in this area have improved.
Specifically 'sanitary standards' or 'hygiene standards', often used in legal or industry contexts.
新しい衛生基準を満たす必要がある。
We need to meet the new sanitary standards.
Describing the act of making something sanitary, such as cleaning or disinfecting.
Means 'to disinfect' or 'to sanitize'. The most common verb for making something germ-free.
トイレを消毒してください。
Please sanitize the toilet.
傷口を消毒する。
Sanitize a wound.
Means 'to remove bacteria' or 'sanitize'. Often used for household cleaning products and wipes.
除菌シートでテーブルを拭く。
Wipe the table with a sanitary (antibacterial) wipe.
Means 'to sterilize' or 'kill germs'. Stronger than 消毒, often used in medical or food preparation contexts.
器具を殺菌する。
Sterilize the equipment.
衛生的 (eiseiteki) emphasizes the health aspect and absence of germs, while 清潔 (seiketsu) focuses on physical cleanliness and tidiness. A room can be 清潔 (tidy and dust-free) but not 衛生的 if, for example, raw meat was left on the counter. For 'sanitary', 衛生的 is usually the better fit.
この病院は清潔だが、衛生的かどうかはわからない。
This hospital is clean, but I don't know if it's sanitary.
The loanword サニタリー is only used as part of compound nouns (e.g., サニタリーボックス). It cannot be used to say 'This is sanitary.' Use 衛生的 instead.
この水は飲んでも衛生的ですか？
Is the water sanitary to drink?
生理用品は無料で提供されています。
Sanitary napkins are provided free of charge.