Translation and Meaning of: 清潔 - seiketsu

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 清潔[せいけつ]. It appears in various contexts, from descriptions of environments to personal characteristics. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and its role in local culture.

清潔 is one of those words that carries significant cultural weight in Japan. Its use goes beyond the literal sense, reflecting important values for the Japanese. Understanding its meaning and application can enrich your vocabulary and understanding of Japanese society. Let's start by uncovering what this word represents.

Meaning and usage of 清潔

Seiketsu [清潔] is generally translated as "cleanliness" or "hygiene," but its meaning goes a bit further. It describes something that is not only clean but also organized, well-maintained, and free from impurities. It can be used to refer to objects, places, and even people. For example, a spotless hospital or a tidy kitchen can be described as seiketsu [清潔].

In Japan, the word is often associated with values such as discipline and respect. Keeping spaces 清潔 is seen as a demonstration of consideration for others. This explains why the Japanese are so meticulous about public and private cleanliness. The word can also have a moral connotation, indicating a person of upright character.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 清潔 is formed by two kanji: 清 (seii, clean, pure) and 潔 (ketsu, immaculate, stain-free). Together, they reinforce the idea of purity and absence of dirt, both physical and symbolic. The first kanji, 清, appears in other words related to cleanliness, such as 清水 (clean water). On the other hand, 潔 is less common but carries a sense of perfection and integrity.

It is interesting to note that the combination of these ideograms creates a term stronger than each one individually. While 清 alone can indicate basic cleanliness, 清潔 suggests an almost impeccable state. This nuance is important for using the word correctly in different contexts, avoiding exaggeration or understatement.

Tips for memorizing and using 清潔

An effective way to memorize 清潔 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of public restrooms in Japan, known for their exemplary cleanliness - they are the epitome of what the Japanese consider 清潔. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of extremely clean environments marked with this word. The visual contrast helps to engrave the meaning.

When using 清潔 in sentences, remember that it functions as both a noun and an adjective in the form 清潔な. For example: この病院はとても清潔です (This hospital is very clean). Avoid using it for things that are only reasonably clean - reserve it for cases of notable cleanliness. Over time, you will develop a sense of when it is appropriate.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 清浄 (Seijou) - Purity, the state of being clean or pure.
• 潔白 (Kepakku) - Innocence, purity of character or intentions.
• 潔净 (Kekkin) - State of being clean, often associated with spiritual purity.
• 清潔感 (Seiketsukan) - Feeling of cleanliness, the impression that something is clean and well-maintained.
• 潔癖 (Keppeki) - Obsession with cleanliness, a characteristic that denotes an excessive concern for hygiene.

清潔

Romaji: seiketsu
Kana: せいけつ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Clean

Meaning in English: clean

Definition: Hygienic and clean condition.

Example Sentences - (清潔) seiketsu

See below some example sentences:

拭くことは大切な清潔の習慣です。

Fuku koto wa taisetsu na seiketsu no shūkan desu

Cleaning is an important hygiene habit.

Cleanliness is an important clean habit.

• 拭くこと - action of cleaning or wiping something
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• 清潔 - noun meaning "cleanliness" or "hygiene"
• の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 習慣 - noun meaning "habit" or "custom"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

清潔な環境は健康につながる。

Seiketsu na kankyou wa kenkou ni tsunagaru

A clean environment leads to health.

• 清潔な - adjective that means "clean"
• 環境 - noun that means "environment"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 健康 - noun that means "health"
• に - particle that indicates the relationship between the subject and the verb
• つながる - verb that means "to be connected" or "to be related"