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A2 noun #3,000 most common 10 min read

汚れ

yogore Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 汚れ in 30 Seconds

Explanation 汚れ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 汚れ as a simple noun meaning 'dirt' or 'stain.' You will mostly use it to describe clothes or hands that need washing. It is often paired with the verb あります (there is) or つきました (got on). For example, 'シャツに汚れがあります' (There is dirt on the shirt). This is a very practical word for daily life, helping you communicate basic needs like laundry or cleaning. You don't need to worry about the kanji yet; focus on the sound 'yogore' and its connection to being 'not clean.' It is a building block for understanding how to describe the physical world around you in a simple way. You might also see it on signs in parks telling you to keep things clean. Think of it as the opposite of 'kirei' (clean/beautiful). If something is not 'kirei', it probably has 'yogore'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 汚れ in more complete sentences and understand its relationship with specific verbs like 落とす (to remove/drop) and 落ちる (to come out). You can now describe the *type* of dirt using simple adjectives or other nouns, like ひどい汚れ (terrible dirt) or 油の汚れ (oil dirt). This level involves recognizing the word in common places like drugstores or dry cleaners. You start to understand that 'yogore' is the noun form of the verb 'yogoreru'. You should be able to ask someone to clean something or explain that something got dirty while you were outside. For instance, '公園で遊んだので、服に汚れがつきました' (I played in the park, so dirt got on my clothes). This is also the stage where you distinguish 'yogore' (dirt) from 'gomi' (trash).

At the B1 level, you can use 汚れ in more abstract and social contexts. You might discuss environmental issues like 空気の汚れ (air pollution) or the cleanliness of a city. You become familiar with compound words like 汚れ物 (yogoremono - laundry/dirty things). Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like シミ (stain) and 埃 (dust), and you can choose the right word for the situation. You can also use the word to describe personal hygiene in a polite way, such as during a dental check-up or when buying skincare products. You start to see the kanji 汚れ frequently in reading materials and can understand its meaning without furigana. You can also handle more complex grammar, like '汚れを落とすために、この洗剤を使います' (I use this detergent to remove the dirt).

At the B2 level, you understand the metaphorical and cultural nuances of 汚れ. You can discuss the Shinto-rooted concept of purity and how 'yogore' (impurity) affects Japanese social behavior. You are comfortable using the word in professional settings, such as describing the condition of a product for sale or discussing industrial cleaning processes. You can use idiomatic expressions and recognize when 汚れ is used to describe a person's character or the state of a corrupt society. Your ability to distinguish between 汚れ, 濁り, and 汚染 becomes more refined. You can read and write about the topic with ease, using appropriate kanji and formal structures. For example, you might write a review of a cleaning service or a short essay on the importance of environmental protection, using 汚れ to describe the negative impact of human activity.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the literary and historical uses of 汚れ. You can analyze its use in classical and modern Japanese literature, where it often symbolizes the loss of innocence or the degradation of the soul. You understand the subtle difference between 汚れ and 穢れ (kegare) and can discuss their historical development. You can use the word in high-level debates about ethics, aesthetics, and social structures. Your speech and writing are nuanced, allowing you to use 汚れ to convey complex emotions or philosophical ideas. You are also familiar with technical terminology in fields like chemistry or environmental science where 汚れ is used with high precision. You can effortlessly switch between casual, formal, and academic registers when discussing cleanliness and impurity.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 汚れ and its vast web of connotations. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'beauty of imperfection' (wabi-sabi) where a certain type of 'yogore' or 'patina' might actually be valued. You can engage in scholarly discussions about the linguistic evolution of the word and its cognates. You are able to use 汚れ with irony, humor, or profound poetic intent. You can decode the most subtle cultural cues related to cleanliness in Japanese society, understanding how the absence or presence of 'yogore' communicates status, intent, and emotion. Your mastery of the word is complete, from its most mundane application in a laundry room to its most elevated use in a philosophical treatise on the nature of existence and the inevitability of decay and corruption.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

汚れ in 30 Seconds

Yogore means dirt, stain, or grime, referring to physical impurities on surfaces like clothes, skin, or household items.
It is the noun form of the verb 'yogoreru' (to get dirty) and is central to Japanese concepts of hygiene.
Commonly used with verbs like 'otosu' (to remove) and 'tsuku' (to get on), and often seen in detergent ads.
Metaphorically, it can represent moral corruption or spiritual impurity, contrasting with 'kirei' (clean/pure).

The Japanese word 汚れ (yogore) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to 'dirt,' 'stain,' or 'grime.' In the context of daily life in Japan, cleanliness is not just a habit but a deeply ingrained cultural value, making this word particularly significant. At its most basic level, it refers to physical impurities that have attached themselves to an object, most commonly clothing, household surfaces, or one's body. For example, if you spill coffee on your white shirt, the resulting brown mark is a 汚れ. However, the word encompasses a wide spectrum of 'uncleanness,' ranging from a light dust film on a bookshelf to the deep, oily grime found in an engine.

Physical Manifestation: Refers to visible matter like mud, oil, or food particles that soil a surface.
Metaphorical Impurity: Can describe moral or spiritual corruption, such as 'the filth of the world' or a 'tainted reputation.'

In a household setting, you will frequently encounter this word in laundry-related contexts. Detergent advertisements in Japan are obsessed with 汚れを落とす (yogore o otosu), which means 'to remove dirt/stains.' The word is versatile enough to cover everything from the 'ring around the collar' (襟の汚れ) to environmental pollution in more abstract discussions. Understanding this word requires recognizing the Japanese distinction between 'clean' (kirei) and 'dirty' (kitanai), where 汚れ is the specific substance that causes the state of being 'kitanai.'

このシャツの汚れはなかなか落ちない。 (This stain on the shirt just won't come out.)

Beyond the physical, there is a historical and spiritual layer to the concept of 汚れ. In Shintoism, the concept of 'Kegare' (impurity/defilement) is central. While modern Japanese uses the kanji 汚れ for everyday dirt, the phonetic root and the cultural aversion to 'uncleanness' remain linked. This explains why Japanese schools have 'Soji' (cleaning time) and why taking off shoes at the entrance is mandatory—to prevent the outside 汚れ from entering the pure space of the home.

都会の汚れを忘れて、田舎で過ごしたい。 (I want to forget the filth of the city and spend time in the countryside.)

In summary, 汚れ is what you want to wash away, wipe off, or avoid. It is the enemy of the 'kirei' (clean/beautiful) aesthetic that dominates Japanese design and social conduct. Whether you are at a dry cleaner, buying soap, or describing the state of a used car, this word is your primary tool for identifying what is not clean.

Linguistic Origin: Derived from the verb 'yogoreru' (to become dirty). It is the nominalized form (ren'youkei).

空気の汚れがひどい。 (The air pollution/dirtiness is terrible.)

靴の汚れをブラシで落とす。 (Remove the dirt from the shoes with a brush.)

心の汚れを洗う。 (To wash away the impurities of the heart.)

Using 汚れ correctly requires pairing it with the right verbs. Since it is a noun, it typically acts as the object of an action or the subject of a state. The most common verb pairing is with 落とす (otosu), meaning 'to drop' or 'to remove.' In a laundry context, you don't 'wash' the dirt; you 'drop' it. Conversely, if dirt is successfully removed, we say the 汚れが落ちる (yogore ga ochiru - the dirt falls off/comes out).

Action: Removing Dirt: 汚れを落とす (yogore o otosu) - To clean/remove a stain.
State: Dirt is Noticeable: 汚れが目立つ (yogore ga medatsu) - The dirt stands out/is prominent.

When something gets dirty, you can say 汚れがつく (yogore ga tsuku), which literally means 'dirt attaches.' This is used for that moment you realize your white sneakers have a scuff or your sleeve hit some sauce. If you want to describe something as being 'covered' in dirt, you might use 汚れだらけ (yogore-darake), though 'doro-darake' (covered in mud) is more common for physical outdoor play.

この洗剤は、しつこい汚れもきれいに落とします。 (This detergent even removes stubborn stains beautifully.)

For abstract usage, 汚れ often appears in literature or deep conversations about character. Phrases like 汚れのない瞳 (yogore no nai hitomi - untainted eyes) describe the purity of a child. Here, 汚れ is the corruption of the world. In environmental contexts, 川の汚れ (kawa no yogore) refers to the pollution or murky state of a river.

Compound Words: 油汚れ (abura-yogore) - Oil/grease stains; 泥汚れ (doro-yogore) - Mud stains.

窓の汚れを雑巾で拭く。 (Wipe the dirt off the window with a rag.)

彼は世の中の汚れを知らない。 (He does not know the filth/corruption of the world.)

指紋の汚れがスマホについている。 (There are fingerprint smudges on the smartphone.)

When discussing skincare, 毛穴の汚れ (keana no yogore - dirt in the pores) is a very common phrase in beauty product marketing. This highlights the word's reach from industrial grease to microscopic cosmetic concerns. In every case, 汚れ is the specific noun for the 'bad stuff' that needs cleaning.

If you live in Japan, you will hear 汚れ almost daily in several specific environments. The most prominent is the supermarket or drugstore. The cleaning aisle is a sea of products promising to tackle different types of 汚れ. From laundry detergents to toilet cleaners, the word is used to categorize the effectiveness of the product. You'll see signs like 'Stubborn 汚れ gone!' or 'Attacks 汚れ at the root!'

At the Dry Cleaners (Cleaning-ya): The clerk might point to a spot on your suit and say, 'ここに従来の汚れがありますね' (There's a stain here, isn't there?).
In Schools (Gakko): Teachers instruct students during cleaning time to 'find the 汚れ on the floor and scrub it.'

Television commercials are perhaps the most frequent source. Japanese ads for soap, shampoo, and dish detergent use high-speed cameras to show 汚れ being lifted away from fabric or skin. In these contexts, the word is often emphasized with bright, bold graphics. Another common place is the dentist's office. Dentists will talk about 歯の汚れ (ha no yogore), referring to plaque or stains on teeth from coffee or tobacco.

クリーニング屋で：「この汚れ、落ちますか？」 (At the dry cleaner: 'Can you get this stain out?')

In a more social setting, if you are visiting someone's house and accidentally make a mess, you would use this word to apologize. 'すみません、床に汚れをつけてしまいました' (I'm sorry, I got a stain/dirt on the floor). Japanese people are generally very sensitive to cleanliness in shared spaces, so being able to identify and discuss 汚れ is part of being a considerate guest or neighbor.

歯医者で：「汚れをきれいにクリーニングしましょう。」 (At the dentist: 'Let's clean the stains/plaque away nicely.')

洗剤のCM：「驚きの白さ！汚れを一気に分解！」 (Detergent CM: 'Surprising whiteness! Breaks down dirt all at once!')

中古車の広告：「車内の汚れはほとんどありません。」 (Used car ad: 'There is almost no dirt/staining inside the car.')

Finally, in news reports regarding the environment, you will hear 大気の汚れ (taiki no yogore - air pollution) or 海洋の汚れ (kaiyou no yogore - ocean pollution). While 'osen' (pollution) is the formal term, 'yogore' is often used to make the concept more relatable and visual to the general public.

Social Context: Public notices in parks or stations often ask users to avoid 'yogore' to keep the area 'kirei' for everyone.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 汚れ is confusing the noun form with the adjective or verb forms. In English, 'dirty' can be a noun (rarely), an adjective, or a verb. In Japanese, these are strictly separated.

Noun vs. Adjective: Mistake: 'This shirt is yogore.' (Incorrect). Correct: 'This shirt is kitanai' (adjective) or 'This shirt has a yogore' (noun).
Noun vs. Verb: Mistake: 'I yogore my pants.' (Incorrect). Correct: 'I yogoshita (verb) my pants' or 'My pants got a yogore (noun) on them.'

Another mistake is the misuse of 汚れ when ゴミ (gomi - trash/dust) or 埃 (hokori - dust) is more appropriate. 汚れ usually implies something that has stained or stuck to a surface, whereas ゴミ is something you can just pick up or throw away. If there's a loose piece of lint on your sweater, it's not a 汚れ; it's ゴミ. If you spilled juice and it's soaked into the fibers, that is a 汚れ.

❌ この部屋は汚れだ。 (This room is dirt.) -> ⭕ この部屋は汚い。 (This room is dirty.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. You 'put' dirt on something using をつける (o tsukeru) and dirt 'attaches' itself using がつく (ga tsuku). Using をする (o suru) with 汚れ is generally incorrect.

❌ 服に汚れをした。 (I did a dirt on my clothes.) -> ⭕ 服に汚れがついた。 (Dirt got on my clothes.)

Spelling/Kanji Mistake: Sometimes people write 汚れ (yogore) when they mean 穢れ (kegare). While related, 穢れ is specifically for religious or ritual impurity and is much rarer in daily life.

❌ 手の汚れを掃除する。 (Clean the dirt of the hands - 'soji' is for rooms/objects). -> ⭕ 手の汚れを洗う。 (Wash the dirt off the hands.)

❌ この汚れは消えません。 (This dirt doesn't disappear - 'kieru' is for lights/ghosts). -> ⭕ この汚れは落ちません。 (This dirt/stain won't come out.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 'yogore' in social contexts. Calling a person's house or belongings 'yogore' is much more clinical and potentially more insulting than saying it's 'kitanai' (messy/dirty). 'Yogore' implies a lack of hygiene or maintenance, whereas 'kitanai' might just mean someone hasn't tidied up their books.

While 汚れ is the most common general term, several other words describe specific types of 'uncleanness' in Japanese. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise.

シミ (Shimi) - Stain: Used specifically for liquid stains like coffee, wine, or blood that have soaked into a surface. Also used for 'age spots' on skin.
垢 (Aka) - Grime/Scale: Refers to dirt that has built up over time, like dead skin cells (aka) or water scale in a kettle (mizu-aka).
埃 (Hokori) - Dust: Dry, loose particles floating in the air or settling on furniture. You 'wipe' (fuku) or 'blow off' (harau) hokori.

Comparing 汚れ to 濁り (nigori) is also useful. 濁り refers specifically to the 'cloudiness' or 'muddiness' of a liquid. If water is not clear, it has 濁り. If that water contains actual particles of filth, it has 汚れ.

シャツにコーヒーのシミができた。 (A coffee stain formed on my shirt.) vs. シャツに汚れがついた。 (My shirt got dirty.)

お風呂の水垢を掃除する。 (Clean the water scale in the bathtub.)

In a metaphorical sense, 汚れ can be replaced by 汚濁 (odaku - corruption/pollution) in very formal or literary contexts, particularly when talking about politics or large-scale environmental issues.

Comparison: Yogore vs. Gomi: Gomi is 'trash' or 'rubbish' (physical items to be thrown away). Yogore is 'dirt' (matter on a surface).

棚に埃がたまっている。 (Dust is accumulating on the shelf.)

心の曇りを晴らす。 (Clear the 'cloudiness' of the heart - similar to 'yogore' but more about mood/confusion.)

キッチンに油のベタつきがある。 (There is oil stickiness in the kitchen - a specific type of 'yogore'.)

Finally, consider 不潔 (fuketsu - unhygienic/filthy). This is an adjective used to describe a person or place that is consistently dirty or gross. While 汚れ is the substance, 不潔 is the characterization of the state of uncleanness. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate the complex Japanese landscape of cleanliness with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'yogore' (汚) originally depicted water and a person bending over, suggesting a place where water is stagnant or where things get soiled. It is the same kanji used in 'Osen' (pollution).

Pronunciation Guide

UK jɒɡɒreɪ

US joʊɡɔreɪ

Flat pitch (Heiban), meaning there is no significant drop in pitch across the syllables.

Rhymes With

Kore (this) Sore (that) Are (that over there) Hare (sunny weather) Mare (rare) Mure (crowd) Tore (took/off) Ore (I - masculine)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (keep it as a light tap).
Stressing the second syllable too much (it should be even).
Making the 'e' sound too long like 'ray' (it should be short like 'met').
Confusing it with the verb 'yogoreru'.
Misreading the kanji as 'kitanai'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is common but simple. Most learners see it early on in A2.

Writing 3/5

The kanji 汚 has 6 strokes and is relatively easy to remember.

Speaking 1/5

The word 'yogore' is phonetically simple for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in commercials and daily conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

汚い (Kitanai) 洗う (Arau) 服 (Fuku) 手 (Te) 水 (Mizu)

Learn Next

掃除 (Soji) 洗濯 (Sentaku) 洗剤 (Senzai) シミ (Shimi) 埃 (Hokori)

Advanced

汚染 (Osen) 汚職 (Oshoku) 浄化 (Jouka) 穢れ (Kegare) 界面活性剤 (Kaimenkasseizai)

Grammar to Know

Nominalization of Verbs

汚れる (Verb) -> 汚れ (Noun)

Transitive vs Intransitive Pairs

汚れが落ちる (Intransitive) vs 汚れを落とす (Transitive)

Compound Nouns with ~物 (mono)

汚れ物 (Dirty things/Laundry)

State description with ~がついている

汚れがついている (Dirt is attached/on it)

Adverbial use of Adjectives

汚れをきれいに洗う (Clean the dirt beautifully/completely)

Examples by Level

シャツに汚れがあります。

There is dirt on the shirt.

Noun + に (location) + 汚れ + があります (existence).

手の汚れを洗います。

I wash the dirt off my hands.

Noun + の + 汚れ + を (object) + 洗います (verb).

この汚れはなんですか？

What is this dirt/stain?

Demonstrative + 汚れ + は (topic) + なんですか (question).

靴に汚れがつきました。

Dirt got on the shoes.

Noun + に + 汚れ + がつきました (attached).

汚れがひどいです。

The dirt is terrible.

汚れ + が (subject) + Adjective + です.

汚れを拭いてください。

Please wipe off the dirt.

汚れ + を + 拭いて (te-form) + ください (request).

白い服は汚れが目立ちます。

Dirt stands out on white clothes.

Topic + は + 汚れ + が + 目立ちます (stands out).

汚れを落としましょう。

Let's remove the dirt.

汚れ + を + 落とし (stem) + ましょう (suggestion).

この洗剤で汚れを落としました。

I removed the dirt with this detergent.

Instrumental で indicates the tool used to remove the dirt.

雨で窓に汚れがつきました。

The rain caused dirt to get on the window.

Cause で (due to rain) + 汚れがつきました.

ひどい汚れはなかなか落ちません。

Terrible stains don't come out easily.

Adjective + 汚れ + は + なかなか (not easily) + 落ちません.

汚れがつかないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful not to get dirt on it.

Negative verb + ように (so that) + 気をつけて (careful).

襟の汚れをきれいにしました。

I cleaned the dirt on the collar.

Noun + の + 汚れ + を + きれいにしました (made clean).

この汚れ、クリーニングで落ちますか？

Will this stain come out with dry cleaning?

Noun + で (method) + 落ちますか (will it fall off?).

油の汚れは水だけでは落ちません。

Oil stains won't come out with just water.

Noun + の + 汚れ + は + Noun + だけでは (with only).

汚れを落としてから、乾かしてください。

After removing the dirt, please dry it.

Verb te-form + から (after doing) + request.

最近、大気の汚れが気になります。

Lately, I'm worried about air pollution/dirtiness.

Noun + の + 汚れ + が + 気になります (to be concerned).

汚れ物を洗濯機に入れました。

I put the laundry (dirty things) in the washing machine.

汚れ物 (yogoremono) is a common compound noun for laundry.

このスポンジは細かい汚れまで取れます。

This sponge can remove even fine dirt.

Noun + まで (even) + 取れます (potential form of take).

歯の汚れを落とすために歯医者へ行きました。

I went to the dentist to remove the stains/plaque on my teeth.

Verb dictionary form + ために (in order to).

中古品ですが、目立った汚れはありません。

It's a used item, but there are no noticeable stains.

目立った (noticeable) + 汚れ + はありません.

川の汚れが原因で魚が死んでしまいました。

Fish died due to the pollution of the river.

Noun + が + 原因で (due to the cause of).

化粧の汚れをクレンジングでしっかり落とします。

Remove makeup residue thoroughly with a cleanser.

化粧の汚れ refers to makeup residue/dirt.

このクロスは、スマホの指紋の汚れを拭くのに便利です。

This cloth is convenient for wiping fingerprint smudges off smartphones.

Verb dictionary form + のに (for the purpose of) + Adjective.

都会の汚れに染まりたくないと彼は言った。

He said he didn't want to be tainted by the filth of the city.

Metaphorical use of 汚れ. 染まる (to be dyed/tainted).

このフィルターは微細な汚れもキャッチします。

This filter catches even microscopic impurities.

微細な (microscopic/minute) + 汚れ.

長年の汚れが蓄積して、なかなか取れない。

Grime from many years has accumulated and won't come off easily.

蓄積して (accumulating and...) + negative potential.

政治の世界の汚れを暴くのがジャーナリストの仕事だ。

Exposing the corruption (filth) of the political world is a journalist's job.

Metaphorical 汚れ for corruption. 暴く (to expose).

表面の汚れを落とすだけでなく、除菌も必要です。

In addition to removing surface dirt, disinfection is also necessary.

Verb dictionary form + だけでなく (not only... but also).

そのスキャンダルで彼の名声に汚れがついた。

The scandal left a stain on his reputation.

名声 (reputation) + に + 汚れ + がついた.

機械の内部に汚れが溜まると、故障の原因になります。

If dirt accumulates inside the machine, it causes malfunctions.

Conditional と (if/when) following the accumulation of dirt.

彼女の心には一点の汚れもない。

There isn't a single speck of impurity in her heart.

一点の (a single point/speck of) + 汚れ + もない (not even).

現代社会の精神的な汚れを浄化する必要がある。

There is a need to purify the spiritual impurities of modern society.

精神的な (spiritual) + 汚れ. 浄化 (purification).

作者は、文明の汚れを知らない少年を主人公に据えた。

The author made a boy who knows nothing of the filth of civilization the protagonist.

Literary usage: 文明の汚れ (filth of civilization).

その古美術品は、経年による汚れが味わいとなっている。

The dirt on that antique from over the years has become part of its charm.

味わい (flavor/charm/character). 経年 (passage of years).

権力争いに明け暮れる人々の汚れきった姿に絶望した。

I despaired at the sight of people completely tainted by power struggles.

Verb stem + きった (completely/thoroughly).

純白のドレスに付着したわずかな汚れも見逃さない。

I won't miss even the slightest dirt attached to the pure white dress.

付着した (attached/adhered). わずかな (slight/minimal).

この洗剤は界面活性剤の力で汚れを包み込んで除去する。

This detergent surrounds and removes dirt using the power of surfactants.

Technical/scientific register using 除去 (removal) and 界面活性剤 (surfactant).

彼は自らの過去の汚れを拭い去ろうと躍起になっている。

He is desperate to wipe away the stains of his own past.

拭い去る (to wipe away completely). 躍起になる (to be desperate/eager).

神聖な場所に足を踏み入れる際は、世俗の汚れを落とさねばならない。

When entering a sacred place, one must shed the impurities of the secular world.

世俗の (secular/worldly). 落とさねばならない (must remove).

侘び寂びの美学においては、時間の経過がもたらす汚れもまた、美の一部として受容される。

In the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, the grime brought by the passage of time is accepted as part of beauty.

High-level aesthetic discussion. 受容される (is accepted).

人間の本質に潜む原初的な汚れを、文学を通して探求する。

Exploring the primordial impurity lurking in the essence of humanity through literature.

原初的な (primordial/original). 探求する (to explore/probe).

その建築は、都市の喧騒と汚れを遮断する静謐な空間を提供している。

The architecture provides a serene space that shuts out the noise and filth of the city.

遮断する (to block/cut off). 静謐な (serene/tranquil).

言語というフィルターを通すことで、純粋な経験に汚れが混じると彼は主張した。

He argued that by passing through the filter of language, impurity mixes into pure experience.

Philosophical usage. 混じる (to be mixed).

政治的腐敗という名の汚れを洗浄するには、抜本的な改革が必要不可欠だ。

Drastic reform is essential to wash away the filth known as political corruption.

洗浄 (washing/cleaning - formal). 抜本的な (drastic/radical).

聖と俗、清浄と汚れの境界線は、文化によって様々に定義される。

The boundary between the sacred and the profane, purity and impurity, is defined variously by culture.

清浄 (purity/cleanliness). 境界線 (boundary line).

漆黒の闇の中では、いかなる汚れもその存在を隠蔽される。

In pitch-black darkness, any impurity has its existence concealed.

隠蔽される (is concealed/hidden - formal).

自己の魂の汚れを直視し、それと対峙することこそが真の救済への道である。

Looking directly at the impurities of one's own soul and confronting them is the path to true salvation.

対峙する (to confront/face off). 救済 (salvation).

Common Collocations

汚れを落とす

汚れがつく

汚れが目立つ

頑固な汚れ

油汚れ

汚れが落ちる

しつこい汚れ

汚れを拭き取る

空気の汚れ

心の汚れ

Common Phrases

汚れを気にする

— To worry about getting dirty or the presence of dirt.

彼は潔癖症で、少しの汚れも気にする。

汚れが溜まる

— For dirt to accumulate over time.

部屋の隅に汚れが溜まっている。

汚れを弾く

— To repel dirt (often used for treated fabrics).

このコートは汚れを弾く素材です。

汚れを隠す

— To hide dirt (e.g., wearing dark colors).

黒い服は汚れを隠すのに良い。

汚れが染み込む

— For dirt/stains to soak deep into a material.

絨毯に汚れが染み込んでしまった。

汚れを洗い流す

— To wash away dirt with running water.

シャワーで体の汚れを洗い流す。

汚れを分解する

— To break down dirt (common in detergent ads).

酵素が汚れを分解します。

汚れを知らない

— To be innocent or naive (literally: 'not knowing filth').

彼は汚れを知らない子供のような人だ。

目立った汚れなし

— No noticeable stains (standard phrase for used goods).

商品の状態：目立った汚れなし。

ひどい汚れ

— Terrible or heavy dirt/staining.

泥遊びをして、ひどい汚れがついた。

Often Confused With

汚れ vs ゴミ (Gomi)

Gomi is trash to be thrown away; Yogore is dirt on a surface.

汚れ vs 埃 (Hokori)

Hokori is dry dust; Yogore is usually wetter or more stuck-on stains.

汚れ vs シミ (Shimi)

Shimi is a specific liquid stain; Yogore is a general term for all dirt.

Idioms & Expressions

"汚れなき瞳"

— Pure, untainted eyes (often describing children).

子供の汚れなき瞳に見つめられた。

Literary

"世の中の汚れ"

— The corruption or 'filth' of the world/society.

彼は世の中の汚れに染まってしまった。

Literary

"一点の汚れもない"

— Without a single speck of dirt/impurity; perfectly clean.

彼女の経歴には一点の汚れもない。

Formal

"汚れ役"

— The 'dirty job' or a role that involves doing unpleasant/unethical things.

彼はチームの中で汚れ役を引き受けた。

Neutral

"心の汚れを洗う"

— To purify one's soul or repent for sins.

滝に打たれて心の汚れを洗う。

Spiritual

"汚れを被る"

— To take the blame or be tainted by association.

彼は他人の不祥事で汚れを被った。

Formal

"汚れを拭う"

— To clear one's name or remove a stain on reputation.

汚名を返上し、過去の汚れを拭う。

Formal

"泥にまみれても汚れず"

— Staying pure even in a corrupt environment (like a lotus).

彼は政治界にいても、泥にまみれても汚れなかった。

Poetic

"汚れ仕事"

— Dirty work; tasks that are physically or ethically unpleasant.

誰もやりたがらない汚れ仕事をこなす。

Neutral

"汚れを知る"

— To lose one's innocence or become cynical.

大人になるにつれ、世の中の汚れを知るようになる。

Literary

Easily Confused

汚れ vs 汚い (Kitanai)

They share the same kanji and basic meaning.

Kitanai is an adjective (is dirty); Yogore is a noun (the dirt itself).

部屋が汚い (The room is dirty) vs 部屋に汚れがある (There is dirt in the room).

汚れ vs 汚す (Yogosu)

They share the same kanji root.

Yogosu is the active verb 'to make something dirty'.

服を汚した (I made my clothes dirty).

汚れ vs 垢 (Aka)

Both mean dirt/grime.

Aka is specifically grime from skin or minerals; Yogore is more general.

足の垢 (Foot grime) vs 足の汚れ (Dirt on the feet).

汚れ vs 濁り (Nigori)

Both relate to uncleanness.

Nigori is cloudiness in liquid; Yogore is physical filth.

水の濁り (Cloudiness of water) vs 水の汚れ (Pollution in water).

汚れ vs 穢れ (Kegare)

They are phonetically related and share a conceptual root.

Kegare is spiritual/ritual impurity; Yogore is physical dirt.

死の穢れ (Impurity of death) vs シャツの汚れ (Stain on a shirt).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] に汚れがあります。

机に汚れがあります。

[Noun] で汚れを落とす。

石鹸で汚れを落とす。

汚れが [Adjective] です。

汚れがひどいです。

汚れがつくのを防ぐ。

汚れがつくのを防ぐスプレー。

汚れを [Verb stem] やすい。

汚れを落としやすい洗剤。

汚れが [Verb stem] きる。

汚れが落ちきっていない。

[Noun] の汚れに染まる。

世の中の汚れに染まる。

一点の汚れもない [Noun]。

一点の汚れもない白い壁。

Word Family

Nouns

汚れ (Yogore) - Dirt/Stain

汚れ物 (Yogoremono) - Laundry/Dirty items

汚物 (Obutsu) - Filth/Excrement

汚染 (Osen) - Pollution

Verbs

汚れる (Yogoreru) - To get dirty (intransitive)

汚す (Yogosu) - To make dirty (transitive)

汚らわす (Kegarawasu) - To defile/stain (metaphorical)

Adjectives

汚い (Kitanai) - Dirty/Messy

汚らわしい (Kegarawashii) - Filthy/Disgusting (moral)

掃除 (Soji) - Cleaning

洗濯 (Sentaku) - Laundry

洗剤 (Senzai) - Detergent

清潔 (Seiketsu) - Hygiene

不潔 (Fuketsu) - Unhygienic

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in domestic and environmental contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 汚れ (yogore) as an adjective. → Use 汚い (kitanai) for 'is dirty'.
You cannot say 'Kono shirt wa yogore desu.' You must say 'Kono shirt wa kitanai desu' or 'Kono shirt ni yogore ga arimasu.'
Using 汚れ (yogore) for trash. → Use ゴミ (gomi).
Trash like paper or cans is 'gomi'. 'Yogore' is for stains or grime stuck to a surface.
Saying 汚れを掃除する (yogore o soji suru). → Say 汚れを落とす (yogore o otosu) or 部屋を掃除する (heya o soji suru).
'Soji' is the act of cleaning a space; 'otosu' is the act of removing the dirt itself.
Confusing 汚れ (yogore) with 埃 (hokori). → Use 埃 for dry dust.
If it's just dust you can blow away, it's 'hokori'. If it's a mark or stain, it's 'yogore'.
Using 汚れ (yogore) for age spots. → Use シミ (shimi).
While 'yogore' can mean dirt on skin, pigmented spots are always called 'shimi'.

Tips

Laundry Basics

Always remember the pair 'yogore o otosu' (remove dirt). It's the most essential phrase for using this word in daily life.

Noun vs Adjective

Don't confuse the noun 'yogore' with the adjective 'kitanai'. Use 'yogore' when you want to name the substance (the dirt itself).

Cleanliness is key

In Japan, avoiding 'yogore' is a sign of social competence. Keep your shoes and clothes clean to make a good impression.

Finding Detergent

Look for the kanji 汚れ on bottles in the supermarket. It will usually be followed by words like 'otosu' (remove) or 'sukkiri' (completely/refreshingly).

Polite Corrections

If you see dirt on a friend's clothes, say 'Nanika tsuiteimasu yo' (Something is on you) instead of 'Yogore ga arimasu' (You have dirt) to be more polite.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 汚 has a water radical on the left. Think of dirty water to help you remember it.

Commercial Clues

Pay attention to the 'before and after' scenes in Japanese ads; they always use the word 'yogore' to describe the 'before' state.

Abstract Use

In books, 'yogore' often means corruption. If a character 'knows the yogore of the world,' they are no longer innocent.

Screen Cleaning

Fingerprint smudges on a phone are called 'shimon no yogore'. Use a 'kurina' (cleaner) to remove them.

Dental Care

When the dentist says 'yogore o torimasu,' they are talking about removing plaque and stains from your teeth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Yo-Yo' falling into the 'Gore' (blood/dirt). You need to wash the 'Yo-Gore' off the toy!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright white shirt with a giant, dark brown coffee 'Yogore' right in the middle. The contrast makes it impossible to ignore.

Word Web

Laundry Stain Detergent Clean Mud Oil Pores Corruption

Challenge

Go around your room or house and find three things that have 'yogore' (dust, stains, smudges). Say out loud: '[Item] ni yogore ga arimasu.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'yogoru', which later became 'yogoreru'. The noun 'yogore' is the nominalized form of the continuative stem (ren'youkei).

Original meaning: To be stained, to be dark, or to be clouded.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Avoid telling someone their house or person has 'yogore' unless you are very close; it is quite blunt.

English speakers might use 'dirty' more loosely. In Japan, pointing out 'yogore' can be more sensitive, as it implies a lack of care.

Detergent brands like 'Attack' or 'Ariel' frequently use 'yogore' in catchphrases. The movie 'Spirited Away' features a 'Stink Spirit' that is a mass of 'yogore' and pollution. Japanese skincare brands like 'Bioré' focus heavily on removing 'keana no yogore' (pore dirt).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Laundry/Clothing

汚れが落ちない
食べこぼしの汚れ
襟の汚れ
汚れを落とす

Skincare/Hygiene

毛穴の汚れ
手の汚れ
顔の汚れ
汚れを洗い流す

Cleaning/Housework

キッチンの油汚れ
窓の汚れ
床の汚れ
頑固な汚れ

Environment

空気の汚れ
川の汚れ
海の汚れ
大気の汚れ

Used Items (Mercari, etc.)

目立った汚れなし
多少の汚れあり
使用感、汚れあり
汚れを気にする方はご遠慮ください

Conversation Starters

"この汚れ、どうやったら落ちると思いますか？ (How do you think I can get this stain out?)"

"最近、空気の汚れがひどいと思いませんか？ (Don't you think the air pollution has been bad lately?)"

"白い服を着ると、いつも汚れを気にしてしまいます。 (When I wear white clothes, I'm always worried about getting them dirty.)"

"おすすめの汚れ落とし（洗剤）はありますか？ (Do you have any recommended stain removers/detergents?)"

"この中古のカメラ、汚れはありますか？ (Does this used camera have any dirt/stains?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、服に汚れがついて困ったことはありましたか？ (Did you have any trouble today because your clothes got dirty?)

あなたの家で一番汚れが気になる場所はどこですか？ (Where is the place in your house where you are most concerned about dirt?)

都会の汚れと田舎の清浄さについて、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the filth of the city vs. the purity of the countryside?)

「心の汚れ」という言葉から、何を連想しますか？ (What do you associate with the phrase 'impurity of the heart'?)

大掃除をして、たくさんの汚れを落とした時の気分を書いてください。 (Write about how you feel after doing a big cleaning and removing lots of dirt.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'gomi' for trash or rubbish. 'Yogore' is specifically for dirt or stains that are on an object or surface. For example, a candy wrapper on the floor is 'gomi', but the sticky mark it leaves behind is 'yogore'.

'Yogore' is a general word for any kind of dirt or stain. 'Shimi' is more specific and usually refers to liquid stains (like coffee or wine) that have soaked into fabric, or pigmented spots on the skin. You can call a 'shimi' a 'yogore', but not all 'yogore' are 'shimi'.

It is a neutral noun. However, telling someone they have 'yogore' on them can be sensitive. It's often better to say it indirectly or politely, like 'あ、何かついていますよ' (Oh, something is on you).

You use the verb 'ochiru' (to fall/drop). So, '汚れが落ちました' (Yogore ga ochimashita) means 'The stain came out' or 'The dirt was removed'.

Yes, '空気の汚れ' (kuuki no yogore) is a very common way to say air pollution or air dirtiness in a non-technical way. In formal news, 'taiki osen' (atmospheric pollution) is more common.

'Yogoremono' (汚れ物) literally means 'dirty things,' but it is the standard word used for 'laundry' that is waiting to be washed. For example, '汚れ物をカゴに入れる' (Put the laundry in the basket).

Yes. 'Yogore' is physical or general metaphorical dirt. 'Omei' (汚名) specifically means a 'bad name' or 'dishonor/stigma.' You 'wipe away' (fuku) a 'yogore', but you 'clear' (henjou suru) an 'omei'.

If you call a person 'yogore,' it is a very strong insult, implying they are corrupt, 'dirty' in their dealings, or physically filthy. In some subcultures, it refers to a person who does the 'dirty work' (yogore-yaku).

'Abura-yogore' (油汚れ) means oil or grease stains. You will see this on many kitchen cleaning products in Japan.

It is written as 汚れ. The kanji 汚 (dirty) followed by the hiragana れ (re).