1.
purification; cleanup
Making something pure or clean by removing impurities, contaminants, or unwanted elements. Used for physical processes like water treatment.
水を浄化する。
To purify water.
この装置は空気を浄化する機能がある。
This device has an air purification function.
汚染された河川の浄化には長い年月がかかる。
Cleaning up a polluted river takes many years.
2.
cleansing; purging
Figuratively, removing corruption, negativity, or moral impurity from a person, organization, or society.
心を浄化する。
To cleanse one's heart.
音楽を聴くと心が浄化される気がする。
Listening to music makes me feel like my soul is being cleansed.
組織の浄化を進めるために新しい委員会が設けられた。
A new committee was established to push forward the purging of the organization.
Used both literally for environmental and technical processes, and figuratively for moral or spiritual cleansing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水質浄化 (water purification)
- 空気浄化 (air purification)
- 浄化装置 (purification device)
- 浄化槽 (septic tank)
- 心の浄化 (spiritual cleansing)
USAGE NOTE:
In environmental contexts, 浄化 is a standard technical term. The figurative sense is common in literary and religious contexts, where it overlaps with the Buddhist and Shinto concept of ritual purification.