Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clean" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clean", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
綺麗
きれい (kirei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
清潔な
せいけつな (seiketsuna)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clean" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 綺麗 and 清潔な.
In Japanese, 綺麗 (きれい (kirei)) is typically associated with "clean, beautiful, pretty" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can mean both 'clean'.
On the other hand, 清潔な (せいけつな (seiketsuna)) maps to "clean; sanitary; neat; pure" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being clean, sanitary, neat, hygienic, or pure in state/attitude. Often used as a な-adjective or a noun. A literal translation of "clean" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "綺麗"
彼女はとても綺麗で、いつも笑顔です。
She is very beautiful and always smiling.
Bilingual Context for "清潔な"
病院では、院内を常に_______な状態に維持することが厳格に求められています。
In hospitals, maintaining the interior in a clean state at all times is strictly required.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女はとても ＿＿＿ で、いつも笑顔です。" (Meaning: "She is very beautiful and always smiling.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "綺麗" fits here because it means "clean, beautiful, pretty" in the context of: "She is very beautiful and always smiling.". "清潔な" represents "clean; sanitary; neat; pure".