Translation and Meaning of: 汚れ - kegare

The Japanese word 汚れ [けがれ] carries a deep and culturally relevant meaning, going beyond its literal translation. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and even its relation to traditional values of Japan. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 汚れ can open doors to a richer insight into the Japanese mindset.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 汚れ, let's analyze how it appears in social and linguistic contexts. Is this word common in everyday life? Are there taboos or specific situations in which it is avoided? Discover here at Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary for students and enthusiasts of the language.

The meaning and origin of 汚れ

汚れ [けがれ] is often translated as "impurity" or "dirt," but its meaning goes beyond the physical. In Japanese culture, it is tied to the concept of kegare, a spiritual and ritualistic idea that relates to contamination both moral and religious. Unlike simple everyday dirt, kegare was seen in Shintoism as something that needed to be purified through rituals.

Etymologically, the kanji 汚 means "to dirty" or "to stain," while the suffix れ indicates a state or condition. Together, they form a word that describes not only visible dirt but also the impurity that affects the spirit. This duality between the physical and the metaphysical makes 汚れ a unique expression, difficult to be fully translated into other languages.

Cultural and social use of 汚れ

In traditional Japan, 汚れ was associated with events such as death, illness, and even birth, considered moments of kegare. These situations required purification rituals to restore spiritual balance. Even today, in Shinto shrines, it is common to see practices like temizu, the washing of hands before entering, which symbolizes the removal of this impurity.

Despite its religious roots, 汚れ also appears in modern contexts. In everyday conversations, it can be used to describe anything from a stain on clothing to a morally questionable situation. However, its use requires caution, as it carries a stronger connotation than words like 汚い [きたない], which refers only to physical dirt.

How to memorize and correctly use 汚れ

An effective way to memorize 汚れ is to associate it with situations that involve both physical and symbolic impurity. For example, think of a stained glass (physical) and a lie that "dirties" a reputation (symbolic). This duality helps to understand why the Japanese use the same word for seemingly distinct contexts.

When using 汚れ in sentences, that it is more formal and carries more meaning than alternatives like 汚い. Avoid using it casually unless discussing topics such as religion, ethics, or deep cleaning. When in doubt, opt for more neutral , especially in everyday conversations.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 汚染 (osen) - Contamination; pollution
• 汚染物 (osenbutsu) - Contaminating substance
• 汚物 (obutsu) - Dirty matter; excrement
• 汚濁 (odaku) - Impurity; pollution (liquid)
• 汚穢 (okei) - Filth; deep dirt
• 汚泥 (oden) - Silt; contaminated sediment
• 汚辱 (ojuku) - Humiliation; disgrace
• 汚点 (oten) - Dirty point; stain (figurative)
• 汚病 (obyou) - Dirty disease; impure illness
• 汚名 (omei) - Stained name; bad reputation