抗菌(こうきん)

こうきん
noun
antibacterial; antimicrobial
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(まないた)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:

  • 抗菌(こうきん): antibacterial — inhibiting bacterial growth
  • 殺菌(さっきん): sterilization — killing bacteria
  • 除菌(じょきん): sanitizing — removing bacteria
  • 滅菌(めっきん): sterilization — completely destroying all microorganisms (medical/lab use)
  • 消毒(しょうどく): disinfection — eliminating pathogens

NOTE:
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.

general
Added 2026.4.3 1:19
21500/21567_koukin