Translation guide
The English word "unclean" can refer to physical dirtiness, moral or spiritual impurity, or ritual contamination. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context. This guide covers the most common and useful expressions for an English-speaking learner.
Describing something that is not clean in a physical sense, such as a room, object, or body part.
The most common and general word for 'dirty' or 'unclean'. Can be used for objects, places, and people. Slightly informal; in formal contexts, 不潔 is preferred.
This room is unclean.
Your hands are unclean, so wash them.
A more formal term for 'unclean' or 'unsanitary', often used in medical, hygienic, or official contexts. Can also imply a lack of cleanliness that may cause disease.
Unclean environments can cause illness.
Literally 'is soiled' or 'has become dirty'. Used to describe something that has gotten dirty, often with visible stains or grime.
The shirt is unclean.
Referring to thoughts, language, or actions that are considered morally wrong, indecent, or obscene.
Describes something that feels morally filthy, disgusting, or defiling. Often used for obscene acts, thoughts, or people. Strong emotional connotation.
I was shocked by his unclean language.
Literally 'impure' or 'unclean', often used in religious or moral contexts. Can refer to spiritual impurity or taboo subjects. More formal and somewhat literary.
Specifically means 'obscene' or 'lewd'. Used for sexually explicit content or language. Not a direct translation of 'unclean' but covers the 'morally impure' sense in sexual contexts.
Describing a state of ritual impurity according to Shinto or Buddhist traditions, often after contact with death, blood, or certain acts.
The concept of ritual impurity or defilement in Shinto. Often translated as 'uncleanness'. It is a noun; the adjective form is 穢れた (けがれた).
Death is considered unclean.
Also used for ritual impurity, especially in Buddhist contexts. Can refer to places or things that are ritually unclean, such as a toilet or a corpse.
Means 'taboo' rather than 'unclean', but often used to describe things that are ritually prohibited because they are considered impure. Useful in cultural explanations.
汚い (きたない) is the most common and versatile word for physical dirtiness. 不潔 (ふけつ) is more formal and often implies a health hazard. 汚れている (よごれている) focuses on the state of being soiled or stained. Use 汚い for everyday speech, 不潔 for official or medical contexts, and 汚れている when emphasizing visible dirt.
This water is unclean (dirty).
Please do not drink unclean (unsanitary) water.
The glass is unclean (soiled).
When describing morally 'unclean' thoughts or jokes, directly translating 'unclean' as 汚い (きたない) can sound odd or too physical. Instead, use 汚らわしい (けがらわしい) for a sense of moral disgust, or 卑猥 (ひわい) for obscenity. For example, 'unclean joke' is better as 下品な冗談 (げひんなじょうだん) or 卑猥な冗談 (ひわいなじょうだん), not 汚い冗談.
Cast away unclean thoughts.
Please stop telling unclean jokes.
Purify an unclean place.
That act is considered unclean (taboo).