Translation guide
The English word 'sterilisation' covers two main areas: medical/biological sterilisation (killing all microorganisms) and surgical sterilisation (making a person or animal unable to reproduce). These are expressed with different Japanese terms.
To make something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms, typically for medical equipment, food, or environments.
The standard term for sterilisation in medical and scientific contexts. Refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms.
A medical procedure to make a person or animal permanently unable to reproduce.
The standard medical term for surgical sterilisation in humans, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy.
彼女は不妊手術を受けることに決めた。
She decided to undergo sterilisation.
滅菌 (めっきん) is complete sterilisation, killing all microorganisms. 殺菌 (さっきん) is killing bacteria, but not necessarily all microorganisms. 消毒 (しょうどく) is disinfection, reducing pathogens to a safe level. In everyday language, these are often used interchangeably, but in medical or technical contexts, the distinction is important.
手術器具は滅菌されています。
The surgical instruments have been sterilised.
この機械は滅菌処理を行います。
This machine performs sterilisation.
Often translated as 'sterilisation' but technically means 'disinfection' or 'killing bacteria'. It does not necessarily eliminate all microorganisms, but is commonly used in everyday contexts like hand sanitizers or cleaning products.
In strict medical usage, 殺菌 is not as absolute as 滅菌. For complete sterilisation, use 滅菌.
このスプレーは殺菌効果があります。
This spray has a sterilising effect.
Means 'disinfection' or 'sanitisation'. Often used for cleaning wounds or surfaces to reduce pathogens, but not necessarily achieving full sterilisation.
傷口を消毒してください。
Please sterilise the wound.
Means 'sterile' or 'germ-free' as a state. Often used in compound terms like 無菌室 (sterile room).
無菌状態を保つ必要があります。
It is necessary to maintain a sterile condition.
Refers to castration or neutering, typically for male animals. Can also be used for humans in a medical context, but may carry a harsher nuance.
その犬は去勢されました。
The dog was sterilised.
Literally 'contraceptive surgery'. Often used for spaying/neutering pets, but can also refer to human sterilisation in casual contexts.
猫に避妊手術を受けさせました。
I had my cat sterilised.
Colloquial term for vasectomy, borrowed from English 'pipe cut'. Common in casual conversation.
彼はパイプカットをした。
He had a vasectomy.