雑菌(ざっきん)

ざっきん
noun
bacteria; germs; miscellaneous microbes
1. bacteria; germs; miscellaneous microbes
Unwanted bacteria or microbes, especially the kind that contaminate food, water, or surfaces and may cause spoilage or illness. The 雑(ざつ) ("miscellaneous") implies unspecified, undesirable microorganisms.
手(て)を洗(あら)って雑菌(ざっきん)を落(お)とす。
Wash your hands to remove germs.
まな板(いた)は雑菌(ざっきん)が繁殖(はんしょく)しやすい。
Cutting boards are prone to bacterial growth.
湿気(しっけ)が多(おお)いと雑菌(ざっきん)が増(ふ)えやすくなるので換気(かんき)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
Bacteria multiply easily in humid conditions, so ventilation is important.

Everyday term for unwanted bacteria, especially in hygiene and food-safety contexts. Distinct from 細菌(さいきん), which is the precise scientific term.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 雑菌(ざっきん)が繁殖(はんしょく)する: bacteria multiply
  • 雑菌(ざっきん)が付(つ)く: get contaminated
  • 雑菌(ざっきん)を抑(おさ)える: to suppress bacterial growth
  • 雑菌(ざっきん)対策(たいさく): anti-bacterial measures

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 細菌(さいきん): bacteria — scientific term, neutral connotation
  • 菌(きん): germ; bacterium; mold — broadest term, includes fungi
  • ウイルス: virus — different category of microbe
  • カビ: mold
general
Added 2026.6.1 12:08
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