Used for places, objects, and conditions lacking sanitation.
Stronger than just 'messy'; implies health risks.
Opposite of 'clean' (清潔な - seiketsu na).
The Japanese word 不潔な (fuketsu na) is an adjective that directly translates to 'unclean,' 'unhygienic,' or 'dirty.' It's used to describe a state of being unsanitary, lacking cleanliness, or being generally messy and unhygienic. This word is quite common and can be applied to a wide range of situations, from personal hygiene to the state of environments, objects, or even food. For instance, you might describe a public restroom as 不潔な if it's visibly dirty and poorly maintained. Similarly, if someone has not washed their hands for a long time, their hands could be considered 不潔な. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of care and potentially posing health risks. It's important to understand that 不潔な goes beyond just being untidy; it specifically points to a lack of hygiene and a potentially unsanitary condition. This can extend to describing food that is not prepared or stored hygienically, making it unsafe to eat. In a broader sense, it can also refer to abstract concepts like 'unclean' thoughts or actions, though this is less common in everyday conversation compared to its literal meaning of physical dirtiness. When discussing public health, sanitation standards, or personal habits, 不潔な is a very fitting term. It's often used in warnings or admonishments to encourage better hygiene practices. The opposite of 不潔な would be 清潔な (seiketsu na), meaning 'clean' or 'hygienic.' Understanding this contrast helps solidify the meaning of 不潔な as a descriptor for conditions that fall short of acceptable cleanliness standards, often with implications for health and well-being.
Consider a situation where you are visiting a friend's house, and the kitchen sink is piled high with unwashed dishes, with food scraps and grease clinging to the surfaces. You might think to yourself, 'This kitchen is very 不潔な.' This implies not just a mess, but a condition that is unhygienic and could attract pests or spread germs. Another example could be a public park bench covered in mud and litter; one would describe it as 不潔な. In a medical context, a doctor might warn a patient about handling wounds with 不潔な hands, emphasizing the danger of infection. The word is also used to describe environments that are not regularly cleaned, such as a neglected animal cage or a dusty, cluttered storage room. It's a direct and strong term, so it's typically used when the lack of cleanliness is noticeable and significant. The kanji characters themselves, 不 (fu - not, un-) and 潔 (ketsu - clean, pure), combine to clearly convey the meaning of 'not clean.' This etymology reinforces the core concept of the word. When learning Japanese, grasping 不潔な is crucial for understanding discussions related to health, sanitation, and everyday living conditions.
不潔な is an adjective that modifies nouns. In Japanese, adjectives are typically placed directly before the noun they describe. When used with a noun, it takes the form of 不潔な + Noun. For example, 不潔な部屋 (fuketsu na heya) means 'unclean room.' If you want to use it as a predicate (at the end of a sentence), you can say 〜は不潔だ (wa fuketsu da) or 〜は不潔です (wa fuketsu desu) for a more polite form. The particle 'na' is used between 不潔 and the noun it modifies, which is characteristic of na-adjectives (also known as adjectival nouns).
Let's look at some sentence structures. You can use it to describe a place:
この場所はとても不潔なので、長居したくない。
(Kono basho wa totemo fuketsu na node, nagai shitakunai. - Because this place is very unclean, I don't want to stay long.) Here, 不潔な directly modifies 場所 (basho - place). You can also use it to describe a state or condition:
彼の部屋はいつも不潔な状態だ。
(Kare no heya wa itsumo fuketsu na jōtai da. - His room is always in an unclean state.) In this case, 不潔な modifies 状態 (jōtai - state).
When expressing an opinion or observation about something being unclean, you can use the predicate form:
その食べ物は見た目も不潔に見えた。
(Sono tabemono wa mitame mo fuketsu ni mieta. - That food looked unclean too.) Here, 不潔 is used adverbially with に (ni) to describe how it looked. For a more direct statement, you can say:
この川の水は不潔です。
(Kono kawa no mizu wa fuketsu desu. - The water in this river is unclean.)
The word can also be used in conjunction with other verbs to express actions related to uncleanness, such as 'to make unclean' or 'to become unclean,' although these are often expressed using other vocabulary. However, understanding 不潔な as a descriptive adjective is the primary use. It's important to remember the 'na' particle when it directly precedes a noun. Forgetting it can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, saying 不潔部屋 instead of 不潔な部屋 is a common error for learners.
You'll commonly encounter the word 不潔な in various everyday contexts, particularly those related to public health, sanitation, and personal well-being. Public announcements or signs in public facilities like restrooms, train stations, or parks often use it to warn people about maintaining cleanliness. For example, a sign in a public toilet might read:
「この場所を不潔な状態にしないでください。」
(Please do not leave this place in an unclean state.) This usage emphasizes the importance of hygiene for everyone.
In discussions about food safety, especially in restaurants or food stalls, the term might be used to describe conditions that are not up to standard. A health inspector might flag a kitchen as having 不潔な areas. News reports about outbreaks of food poisoning might also mention 不潔な handling of ingredients as a potential cause. Beyond public spaces, it's also used in personal conversations. Parents might warn their children about playing with 不潔な toys or eating things off the ground. For instance, a mother might say to her child,
「それは不潔なから、食べちゃダメだよ。」
(Because that is unclean, you can't eat it.)
In discussions about living conditions or personal habits, it can be used to describe someone's lifestyle or environment if it's perceived as unhygienic. For example, if someone's home is consistently messy and unsanitary, a friend might describe it as 不潔な in a concerned tone. Medical professionals might use it when explaining the importance of hygiene to patients, such as reminding them to wash their hands after using the restroom to avoid spreading 不潔な germs. In educational settings, teachers might use the word when teaching children about health and hygiene. The word is direct and conveys a clear message about the absence of cleanliness, making it effective in conveying warnings and emphasizing the need for better sanitation.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 不潔な is forgetting the 'na' particle when it directly precedes a noun. As a na-adjective, it requires 'na' to connect to the noun it modifies. For instance, saying 不潔部屋 (fuketsu heya) instead of the correct 不潔な部屋 (fuketsu na heya) is a frequent error. This 'na' particle is crucial for grammatical correctness when the adjective is used attributively (before the noun).
Another potential confusion arises from the intensity of the word. Learners might overuse 不潔な for situations that are merely untidy or messy. While 'messy' (散らかった - charatta) describes a lack of order, 不潔な specifically implies a lack of hygiene and sanitation, often with potential health implications. For example, a room with scattered papers might be 散らかった (charatta), but a room with visible mold, garbage, and unwashed dishes would be 不潔な (fuketsu na). Using 不潔な for something that is just a little untidy can sound overly harsh or inappropriate.
Furthermore, learners might sometimes confuse 不潔な with other adjectives that describe negative states. While it strongly implies dirtiness and lack of hygiene, it's not a general term for 'bad' or 'unpleasant.' For example, a boring lecture is unpleasant (不快 - fukai), but not necessarily 不潔な. It's important to reserve 不潔な for situations where the core meaning of 'unhygienic' or 'unsanitary' is intended. Finally, when used in the predicate form (e.g., 〜は不潔だ), learners might incorrectly try to add the 'na' particle, like 〜は不潔なだ, which is grammatically incorrect. The predicate form simply uses the base adjective with だ (da) or です (desu).
While 不潔な (fuketsu na) is a direct and strong term for 'unclean' or 'unhygienic,' there are other words that convey similar or related meanings, often with different nuances or levels of formality. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the most appropriate word for a given situation.
汚い (きたない - kitanai)
This is a very common i-adjective meaning 'dirty' or 'messy.' It's more general than 不潔な and can refer to simple dirt, mess, or untidiness. For example, a dirty floor or a messy desk would be 汚い. While it can overlap with 不潔な, 不潔な emphasizes a lack of hygiene and sanitation, implying a potential health hazard, whereas 汚い might just mean it needs cleaning. Example:
床が汚いので、掃除機をかけよう。
(Yuka ga kitanai node, soujiki o kakeyou. - The floor is dirty, so let's vacuum.)
不衛生な (ふせいけつな - fuseiketsu na)
This is very similar to 不潔な and often used interchangeably. It literally means 'unhygienic' or 'unsanitary.' It also carries a strong implication of health risk. 不衛生な might be used in more formal or technical contexts, such as public health advisories or discussions about medical practices. Example:
この食品の取り扱いは不衛生な状態でした。
(Kono shokuhin no toriatsukai wa fuseiketsu na jōtai deshita. - The handling of this food was in an unhygienic state.)
不浄な (ふじょうな - fujō na)
This word has a more religious or spiritual connotation, meaning 'impure' or 'unholy.' While it can sometimes refer to physical uncleanness, it often implies a moral or spiritual defilement. It's less commonly used in everyday conversation to describe physical dirtiness compared to 不潔な or 汚い. Example:
宗教的な儀式では、不浄なものを排除する。
(Shūkyōteki na gishiki de wa, fujō na mono o haijo suru. - In religious rituals, impure things are excluded.)
汚らしい (けがらわしい - kegarawashii)
This adjective carries a strong sense of 'filthy,' 'disgusting,' or 'repulsive.' It often implies a level of dirtiness that evokes a strong negative emotional response. It can be used for extremely dirty things or situations that are morally objectionable as well. It's more emotive than 不潔な. Example:
その汚らしい光景に吐き気がした。
(Sono kegarawashii kōkei ni hakike ga shita. - I felt sick at the sight of that filthy scene.)
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The character 潔 (ketsu) itself is derived from elements related to water and purity, emphasizing the concept of being cleansed. Its combination with 不 (fu) creates a strong negation of this purity.
Guia de pronúncia
UK/fʊˈkɛtsuː naɪ/
US/fʊˈkɛtsuː naɪ/
The primary stress falls on the second syllable: fu-KE-tsu na.
Rima com
KetsuShitsuKitsuts
Erros comuns
Pronouncing 'tsu' as a full 'tsu' sound like in 'tsunami' instead of a quicker, more integrated sound.
Incorrectly stressing the first syllable 'fu' instead of 'ke.'
Adding an extra syllable or vowel sound where it's not needed.
Nível de dificuldade
Leitura3/5
Understanding the core meaning is straightforward. However, distinguishing it from similar words like 汚い (kitanai) and understanding its nuances in formal or metaphorical contexts requires practice. Recognizing its grammatical function as a na-adjective is also key.
Escrita3/5
The main challenge is correctly using the 'na' particle before a noun. Learners might also struggle with choosing the most appropriate word (e.g., 不潔な vs. 汚い) depending on the context and desired level of formality or emphasis.
Expressão oral3/5
Pronunciation is generally manageable, but correct usage in spontaneous speech requires practice. Learners might hesitate to use it, fearing misuse, or they might default to simpler terms like 汚い.
Audição3/5
The word is common enough that it's often heard in various contexts. The primary difficulty might be in discerning the exact nuance intended by the speaker, especially when it's used metaphorically or in contrast to similar words.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
きれい (kirei)汚い (kitanai)〜な (na - particle)〜だ (da - copula)
不潔な (fuketsu na) is a na-adjective. When it modifies a noun, it takes the form of 不潔な + Noun (e.g., 不潔な部屋 - fuketsu na heya). When used as a predicate, it takes the form of 〜は不潔だ/です (e.g., 部屋は不潔だ - Heya wa fuketsu da).
Using adjectives to describe states or conditions
The phrase 不潔な状態 (fuketsu na jōtai) means 'unclean state.' This pattern is common for describing the condition of something using an adjective + 状態 (jōtai).
Using adjectives with particles like 'に' (ni) to describe how something appears or acts
不潔に見える (fuketsu ni mieru - to look unclean). This uses the adverbial form of the adjective.
Connecting clauses with 'ので' (node) or 'から' (kara) to explain reasons
この場所は不潔なので、長居したくない。(Kono basho wa fuketsu na node, nagai shitakunai. - Because this place is unclean, I don't want to stay long.)
Using the imperative form of verbs to give instructions
不潔な手で触らないでください。(Fuketsu na te de sawaranaide kudasai. - Please do not touch with unclean hands.)
His unclean lifestyle was not merely a matter of personal preference but an expression of indifference towards the overall hygienic standards of society.
His unclean lifestyle was not merely a matter of personal preference...
4
不潔な水域に生息する微生物群集の多様性は、水質汚染の深刻さを示す指標となる。
The diversity of microbial communities inhabiting unclean water bodies serves as an indicator of the severity of water pollution.
The diversity of microbial communities inhabiting unclean water bodies...
5
長年にわたる不適切な管理は、歴史的建造物を不潔で朽ち果てた状態へと追いやった。
Years of improper management have relegated the historic building to an unclean and dilapidated state.
Years of improper management have relegated the historic building to an unclean and dilapidated state.
The introduction of unclean instruments in medical settings is strictly prohibited by rigorous protocols designed to break the chain of hospital-acquired infections.
The introduction of unclean instruments in medical settings...
7
社会規範に反する不潔で無責任な行動は、共同体の結束を弱め、公衆衛生上のリスクを増大させる。
Unclean and irresponsible behaviors that contravene social norms weaken community cohesion and escalate public health risks.
Unclean and irresponsible behaviors that contravene social norms...
8
不潔な微生物の制御は、現代社会における感染症予防戦略の根幹をなす。
The control of unclean microorganisms forms the bedrock of modern infection prevention strategies.
The control of unclean microorganisms forms the bedrock...
Colocações comuns
不潔な状態 (ふけつなじょうたい)
不潔な手 (ふけつなて)
不潔な環境 (ふけつなかんきょう)
不潔な水 (ふけつなみず)
不潔な食べ物 (ふけつなたべもの)
不潔な場所 (ふけつなばしょ)
不潔な器具 (ふけつなきぐ)
不潔な印象 (ふけつないんしょう)
不潔な習慣 (ふけつなしゅうかん)
不潔な状態を避ける (ふけつなじょうたいをさける)
Frases Comuns
不潔だ (ふけつだ)
— It is unclean/dirty.
このトイレは不潔だ。 (Kono toire wa fuketsu da. - This toilet is unclean.)
不潔な状態
— Unclean state/condition.
不潔な状態のまま放置しないでください。 (Fuketsu na jōtai no mama hōchi shinaide kudasai. - Please do not leave it in an unclean state.)
不潔にならないように
— So as not to become unclean/dirty.
部屋を不潔にならないように、こまめに掃除する。 (Heya o fuketsu ni naranai yō ni, komame ni sōji suru. - I clean frequently so as not to let the room become unclean.)
不潔なものを触る
— To touch unclean things.
子供が不潔なものを触らないように注意する。 (Kodomo ga fuketsu na mono o sawaranai yō ni chūi suru. - I am careful to prevent children from touching unclean things.)
不潔な印象
— Unclean impression.
その店は不潔な印象を与えた。 (Sono mise wa fuketsu na inshō o ataeta. - That shop gave an unclean impression.)
不潔な食べ物
— Unclean food.
不潔な食べ物は食中毒の原因です。 (Fuketsu na tabemono wa shokuchūdoku no gen'in desu. - Unclean food is the cause of food poisoning.)
不潔な水
— Unclean water.
不潔な水は飲めない。 (Fuketsu na mizu wa nomenai. - Unclean water cannot be drunk.)
不潔な場所
— Unclean place.
不潔な場所には近づかない。 (Fuketsu na basho ni wa chikazukanai. - I don't go near unclean places.)
不潔な手
— Unclean hands.
不潔な手で料理しないでください。 (Fuketsu na te de ryōri shinaide kudasai. - Please do not cook with unclean hands.)
不潔な環境
— Unclean environment.
不潔な環境は健康に悪い。 (Fuketsu na kankyō wa kenkō ni warui. - An unclean environment is bad for health.)
Frequentemente confundido com
不潔なvs汚い (きたない)
While both mean 'dirty,' 汚い is more general and can refer to simple messiness or dirt. 不潔な specifically implies a lack of hygiene and potential health risks, making it stronger and more specific to sanitation.
不潔なvs乱雑な (らんざつな)
This means 'messy' or 'disorderly,' referring to a lack of order rather than a lack of cleanliness. A room can be messy but still hygienic, or clean but disordered.
不潔なvs不衛生な (ふせいけつな)
This is a very close synonym and often interchangeable with 不潔な. However, 不衛生な might be preferred in more technical or formal contexts related to public health or medical procedures.
Expressões idiomáticas
"不潔な手で触る"
— To touch something with unclean hands; to interfere inappropriately or with bad intentions.
このデリケートな問題に、彼は不潔な手で触ろうとした。
Metaphorical
"不潔なものを口にする"
— To eat unclean food; to engage in morally or ethically corrupt practices.
彼は金のために不潔なものを口にした。
Metaphorical
"不潔な場所を避ける"
— To avoid unclean places; to stay away from disreputable or morally compromised situations.
彼女は不潔な場所を避けて、常に上品に振る舞った。
Metaphorical
"不潔な考えを持つ"
— To have unclean thoughts; to harbor impure or malicious intentions.
彼の目は不潔な考えを持っているように見えた。
Metaphorical
"不潔な行い"
— Unclean actions; morally corrupt or unsanitary deeds.
その政治家の不潔な行いが発覚し、辞任に追い込まれた。
Metaphorical
"不潔な噂"
— Unclean rumors; scandalous or defamatory gossip.
彼女に関する不潔な噂が広まった。
Metaphorical
"不潔なものを払拭する"
— To cleanse oneself of unclean things/influences; to purify oneself.
過去の過ちを反省し、不潔なものを払拭しようと努めた。
Metaphorical
"不潔な空気"
— Unclean air; a morally corrupt or unpleasant atmosphere.
その会議室には不潔な空気が漂っていた。
Metaphorical
"不潔なものを集める"
— To collect unclean things; to associate with disreputable people or engage in questionable activities.
彼は街の裏社会で不潔なものを集めていた。
Metaphorical
"不潔なものを引き寄せる"
— To attract unclean things; to be drawn to or associated with negative or unsanitary influences.
その場所はなぜか不潔なものを引き寄せるようだ。
Metaphorical
Fácil de confundir
不潔なvs汚い (きたない)
Both refer to a state of being not clean.
汚い (kitanai) is a general term for 'dirty' or 'messy.' It can describe anything from a dusty surface to a cluttered room. 不潔な (fuketsu na), on the other hand, specifically emphasizes a lack of hygiene and sanitation, often implying a health hazard. For example, a desk with scattered papers is 汚い, but a restroom with visible mold and unwashed surfaces is 不潔な.
This room is 汚い because of the scattered books. This room is 不潔な because of the unhygienic bathroom.
不潔なvs不衛生な (ふせいけつな)
Both translate to 'unhygienic' or 'unsanitary.'
不潔な (fuketsu na) and 不衛生な (fuseiketsu na) are very close synonyms and often used interchangeably. However, 不衛生な is sometimes considered slightly more formal or technical, often appearing in official health advisories or scientific discussions. For everyday use, 不潔な is perfectly adequate and perhaps more common. The nuance is subtle, but 不衛生な might lean more towards the 'lack of sanitary conditions' aspect.
不潔な手で食べないで (Don't eat with unclean hands - common). 不衛生な環境での作業は避けるべきです (Work in unhygienic environments should be avoided - more formal).
不潔なvs清潔な (せいけつな)
It is the direct antonym, so understanding the contrast is key.
清潔な (seiketsu na) is the direct opposite of 不潔な (fuketsu na). While 清潔な means 'clean' or 'hygienic,' focusing on the positive state of being free from dirt and germs, 不潔な highlights the negative state of lacking such cleanliness and potentially harboring dangers. Using them correctly shows a good grasp of the concept of hygiene in Japanese.
清潔なタオル (clean towel) vs. 不潔なタオル (unclean towel).
不潔なvs乱雑な (らんざつな)
Both describe undesirable states of objects or places.
乱雑な (ranzatsu na) means 'messy,' 'disorderly,' or 'untidy.' It refers to a lack of organization and order. A room can be 乱雑な (e.g., with papers scattered everywhere) but still be relatively clean. Conversely, something can be orderly but still be 不潔な (e.g., a neatly arranged but dusty shelf). 不潔な focuses on sanitation, while 乱雑な focuses on order.
散らかった部屋は乱雑だが、必ずしも不潔ではない。(A messy room is disorderly, but not necessarily unclean.)
不潔なvs汚らしい (けがらわしい)
Both describe something unpleasant and dirty.
汚らしい (kegarawashii) means 'filthy,' 'disgusting,' or 'repulsive.' It carries a strong emotional connotation and implies a level of dirtiness that evokes revulsion. While 不潔な (fuketsu na) describes an unhygienic state, 汚らしい describes the feeling of disgust that state might provoke. It's more subjective and emotive than the more objective description of 不潔な.
The smell from the bins was 汚らしい. The bins themselves were in a 不潔な state.
Forgetting the 'na' particle.→不潔な部屋 (fuketsu na heya)
Learners often omit the 'na' particle when 不潔 modifies a noun, leading to grammatical errors like '不潔部屋'. Remember that na-adjectives require 'na' before the noun.
Using 不潔な for simple messiness.→この部屋は散らかっている (kono heya wa charatte iru) or 汚い (kitanai).
不潔な (fuketsu na) implies a lack of hygiene and potential health risk. Using it for mere untidiness is an overstatement. For simple messiness, use 散らかった (charatta) or 汚い (kitanai).
Incorrect predicate form.→このトイレは不潔だ/です。(Kono toire wa fuketsu da/desu.)
Learners might incorrectly add 'na' when using it as a predicate, resulting in '不潔なだ'. The correct form is simply the adjective stem + だ/です.
Confusing with 汚らしい (kegarawashii).→不潔な (fuketsu na) for hygiene issues; 汚らしい (kegarawashii) for disgust.
While both describe unpleasant dirtiness, 汚らしい implies a stronger sense of disgust or repulsion. 不潔な focuses more on the objective lack of sanitation.
Overusing it in formal writing.→不衛生な (fuseiketsu na) or other more technical terms.
In highly formal or technical contexts like scientific papers or official health reports, 不衛生な might be preferred over the more general 不潔な. However, 不潔な is still acceptable in many formal settings.
Dicas
Distinguish from 'Messy'
Remember that 不潔な (fuketsu na) is about hygiene and sanitation, not just disorder. A room can be messy (散らかった - charatta) without being unhygienic, and vice versa. Use 不潔な when there's a genuine lack of cleanliness that could pose a health risk.
The 'Na' Particle
As a na-adjective, 不潔 requires the particle 'na' when it directly precedes a noun (e.g., 不潔な部屋 - fuketsu na heya). Forgetting this is a common mistake for learners.
Opposite Word
Knowing the antonym, 清潔な (seiketsu na - clean, hygienic), helps solidify the meaning of 不潔な. Think of them as two sides of the same coin: hygiene.
Practice the 'Tsu'
The 'tsu' sound in 不潔な (fuketsu na) is a quick, sharp sound. Practice saying 'fu-KE-tsu na' to get the pronunciation right. Avoid making it too drawn out.
Cultural Significance
In Japan, cleanliness is highly valued. Using 不潔な implies a significant lack of hygiene and can be a strong criticism. Be mindful of the context and your audience when using this word.
Visual Association
Picture a grimy, old kettle that's clearly been neglected. This visual of extreme uncleanness can help you remember the meaning of 不潔な.
Vs. 汚い
While 汚い (kitanai) means 'dirty,' 不潔な (fuketsu na) is stronger and implies unsanitary conditions. Use 不潔な when health and hygiene are the primary concerns.
Describe Your Surroundings
Actively try to describe things around you using 不潔な or its antonyms. For example, 'My phone screen is a bit 不潔な.' This active recall strengthens memory.
Beyond the Physical
Remember that 不潔な can also be used metaphorically for 'unclean' thoughts or actions, implying moral corruption or impurity.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 不潔な in different contexts: describing a place, an object, or even a metaphorical situation. This active practice is key to mastery.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a 'Fu'nny-looking 'Ke'ttle that's so 'Tsu'nk and 'Na'sty, it's completely unclean! The 'Fu-Ke-Tsu-Na' kettle is a perfect image for 'unclean.'
Associação visual
Picture a very dirty, grimy kettle with black soot all over it, perhaps with some mold growing inside. The kettle is so unhygienic that you wouldn't dare touch it or use it for anything. This visual of a thoroughly unclean object helps reinforce the meaning of 不潔な.
Try to describe three different things in your environment right now as either 不潔な or 清潔な. For example, 'My desk is 清潔な, but the floor under it is becoming 不潔な.' This active application will help solidify the word's meaning and usage.
Origem da palavra
The word 不潔 (fuketsu) is composed of two kanji characters. The first character, 不 (fu), means 'not' or 'un-.' The second character, 潔 (ketsu), means 'clean,' 'pure,' or 'hygienic.' Together, they literally mean 'not clean' or 'unclean.' The adjective form is created by adding the particle な (na) to the noun stem 不潔.
Significado original: Literally 'not clean' or 'unclean.'
Sino-Japanese (Kanji-based vocabulary)
Contexto cultural
Using 不潔な can be considered a strong criticism. It's important to use it accurately for genuinely unsanitary conditions rather than for mere untidiness, as it can be perceived as offensive or judgmental if misused.
In English-speaking cultures, 'dirty' or 'unhygienic' are common terms. While there's an appreciation for cleanliness, the cultural emphasis might vary. In some cultures, a certain level of messiness might be more tolerated than in Japan, where cleanliness is often seen as a reflection of character and social responsibility.
The meticulous cleaning rituals in Japanese households and public spaces (e.g., the daily cleaning of classrooms by students).The emphasis on bathing culture (e.g., onsen, sento) as a way to achieve both physical and mental cleanliness.The concept of 'kirei' (きれい), which means both 'clean' and 'beautiful,' highlighting the positive association of cleanliness with aesthetic and moral values.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Public Restrooms
このトイレは不潔です。
清潔に使いましょう。
不潔な状態にしないでください。
Food Preparation and Safety
不潔な手で触らないで。
不潔な食べ物は危険です。
衛生的な環境で調理する。
Personal Hygiene
手を洗って、不潔にならないように。
不潔な習慣は改めましょう。
不潔なものを口にしない。
Living Spaces
部屋が不潔な状態だ。
不潔な場所には近づかない。
清掃して不潔さをなくす。
Health and Sanitation Warnings
不潔な水は飲めません。
不潔な環境は病気の原因です。
不潔な状態を避けることが大切です。
Iniciadores de conversa
"Have you ever seen a place that was so unclean it made you feel uncomfortable?"
"What are some important rules for keeping things clean and hygienic?"
"When you travel, how important is it for you that public places are clean?"
"What's the difference between something being 'messy' and something being 'unhygienic'?"
"How can we teach children the importance of not touching unclean things?"
Temas para diário
Describe a time you encountered a very unclean environment and how it made you feel. Use the word 不潔な (fuketsu na) in your description.
Reflect on your personal hygiene habits. Are there any areas you could improve to make yourself or your living space more 清潔な (seiketsu na)?
Imagine you are a health inspector. Write a short report about a fictional restaurant that has some 不潔な (fuketsu na) issues.
Compare and contrast the words 不潔な (fuketsu na) and 汚い (kitanai). When would you use one over the other?
Think about a place you find particularly clean and hygienic. Describe why it feels that way, using descriptive language.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntas
The main difference lies in the nuance and intensity. 汚い (kitanai) is a general term for 'dirty' or 'messy' and can refer to simple untidiness or surface dirt. 不潔な (fuketsu na) is more specific and stronger, emphasizing a lack of hygiene and sanitation, often implying a potential health hazard. For example, a messy desk is 汚い, but a public restroom with visible mold and unwashed surfaces is 不潔な.
不潔な is a descriptive adjective and not inherently impolite, but it carries a strong negative connotation. It's best used for genuinely unsanitary conditions. Using it for something that is only slightly messy might be considered overly harsh or critical, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to. For more formal or sensitive situations, alternatives like 不衛生な (fuseiketsu na) might be considered, or a softer approach might be preferred.
不潔 (fuketsu) is a na-adjective. You use the particle 'na' when it directly modifies a noun. For example: 不潔な部屋 (fuketsu na heya - unclean room). When it functions as a predicate (at the end of a sentence), you simply use だ (da) or です (desu) after it: 部屋は不潔だ (Heya wa fuketsu da - The room is unclean).
Yes, 不潔な can be used metaphorically to describe things that are morally or ethically unclean, impure, or corrupt. For example, '不潔な考え' (fuketsu na kangae) means 'unclean thoughts,' and '不潔な行い' (fuketsu na okonai) refers to morally corrupt actions. However, this metaphorical usage is less common in everyday conversation than its literal meaning.
The most direct opposite is 清潔な (seiketsu na), which means 'clean' or 'hygienic.' Another common antonym is きれいな (kirei na), which means 'clean' or 'beautiful.' While きれいな can mean clean, 清潔な specifically emphasizes sanitation and hygiene.
It is pronounced fu-KE-tsu na. The stress is on the second syllable, 'ke.' The 'tsu' is a quick sound. (IPA: /fʊˈkɛtsuː naɪ/)
While there isn't a direct single verb that perfectly translates to 'to become unclean' using the root 不潔, the verb 汚れる (yogoreru) means 'to get dirty.' You can also use phrases like 不潔な状態になる (fuketsu na jōtai ni naru - to become in an unclean state).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for abstract concepts that are considered impure, corrupt, or morally wrong, such as 'unclean thoughts' (不潔な考え - fuketsu na kangae) or 'unclean intentions.' However, this usage is more formal or literary.
Some common collocations include 不潔な手 (unclean hands), 不潔な状態 (unclean state), 不潔な環境 (unclean environment), and 不潔な食べ物 (unclean food).
Because cleanliness is highly valued in Japan, the word 不潔な carries a strong negative weight and is used to describe conditions that fall significantly short of cultural expectations for hygiene and sanitation. It's a serious descriptor, not to be used lightly.
The Japanese adjective 不潔な (fuketsu na) means 'unclean' or 'unhygienic.' It is used to describe anything that lacks sanitation and may pose a health risk, such as dirty rooms, unhygienic food preparation, or unsanitary public facilities. It is a stronger term than simply 'messy' and is often used in warnings or when discussing health and safety.
Unclean, unhygienic, dirty.
Used for places, objects, and conditions lacking sanitation.
Stronger than just 'messy'; implies health risks.
Opposite of 'clean' (清潔な - seiketsu na).
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Distinguish from 'Messy'
Remember that 不潔な (fuketsu na) is about hygiene and sanitation, not just disorder. A room can be messy (散らかった - charatta) without being unhygienic, and vice versa. Use 不潔な when there's a genuine lack of cleanliness that could pose a health risk.
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The 'Na' Particle
As a na-adjective, 不潔 requires the particle 'na' when it directly precedes a noun (e.g., 不潔な部屋 - fuketsu na heya). Forgetting this is a common mistake for learners.
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Opposite Word
Knowing the antonym, 清潔な (seiketsu na - clean, hygienic), helps solidify the meaning of 不潔な. Think of them as two sides of the same coin: hygiene.
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Practice the 'Tsu'
The 'tsu' sound in 不潔な (fuketsu na) is a quick, sharp sound. Practice saying 'fu-KE-tsu na' to get the pronunciation right. Avoid making it too drawn out.
