Translation guide
The process of removing and treating wastewater and sewage. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific terms for systems, treatment, and the act of disposal.
下水処理
sewage disposal (general process)
Referring to the overall system or process of removing and treating sewage.
The most common term for sewage treatment or disposal. Refers to the process of treating wastewater.
この町の下水処理はとても進んでいる。
Sewage disposal in this town is very advanced.
Refers to the sewer system or sewerage infrastructure. Often used when talking about the network of pipes and facilities.
下水道が整備されていない地域もある。
There are areas where sewage systems are not yet developed.
Literally 'dirty water treatment'. Used in technical or environmental contexts.
汚水処理施設の建設が急がれている。
Construction of sewage treatment facilities is urgently needed.
Focusing on the action of getting rid of sewage.
The standard verb phrase meaning 'to treat/dispose of sewage'.
その工場では毎日大量の下水を処理している。
That factory treats a large amount of sewage every day.
Literally 'to throw away dirty water'. Implies disposal without treatment, often used in negative contexts.
This implies untreated disposal and may sound irresponsible unless in a regulatory context.
川に汚水を捨てるのは法律で禁止されている。
Dumping sewage into rivers is prohibited by law.
Referring to the facility where sewage is treated.
Standard term for a sewage treatment plant.
新しい下水処理場が来年完成する。
The new sewage treatment plant will be completed next year.
Often used in names of public treatment facilities, literally 'purification center'.
市の浄化センターを見学した。
We toured the city's sewage treatment center.
下水処理 (gesui shori) is the general term for sewage treatment, while 汚水処理 (osui shori) is more technical and often used in environmental or engineering contexts. In everyday conversation, 下水処理 is more common.
Sewage disposal is about wastewater, not solid waste. For garbage disposal, use ごみ処理 (gomi shori).