抗菌(こうきん)

こうきん
noun
antibacterial; antimicrobial
sciencehealth
1. antibacterial; antimicrobial; germ-resistant
The property of inhibiting or preventing the growth of bacteria. Widely used in product descriptions for treated materials and surfaces.
抗菌(こうきん)加工(かこう)がされている。
It has been given antibacterial treatment.
このまな板(いた)は抗菌(こうきん)仕様(しよう)で衛生的(えいせいてき)だ。
This cutting board has antibacterial specifications and is hygienic.
最近(さいきん)は抗菌(こうきん)・消臭(しょうしゅう)機能(きのう)がついた靴下(くつした)が人気(にんき)だ。
Recently, socks with antibacterial and deodorizing functions have become popular.

Composed of 抗(こう) (anti-, resist) and 菌(きん) (bacteria, germs). Very common on product labels in Japan, especially for household items.

Common collocations

  • 抗菌(こうきん)加工(かこう): antibacterial treatment/finish
  • 抗菌(こうきん)仕様(しよう): antibacterial specification
  • 抗菌(こうきん)作用(さよう): antibacterial action
  • 抗菌(こうきん)剤(ざい)/抗菌(こうきん)薬(やく): antibacterial agent/drug
  • 抗菌(こうきん)・防臭(ぼうしゅう): antibacterial and deodorant

Similar words

Usage

Japan has a strong market for 抗菌(こうきん) products. The term appears on everything from phone cases and keyboards to socks, towels, and cutting boards.

Related Words

Compare: 殺菌(さっきん) (sterilization)
Compare: 除菌(じょきん) (sanitizing)
Compare: 滅菌(めっきん) (sterilization)
Compare: 消毒(しょうどく) (disinfection)
general
Added 2026.4.3 1:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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