リサイクルする
risaikuru suru
The English verb recycle can be translated into Japanese as リサイクルする (risaikuru suru). Wiktionary also lists 再生する (saisei suru).
Meaning: to break down and reuse component materials (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| リサイクルする | risaikuru suru |
| 再生する | saisei suru |
The term is used to describe the process of breaking down and reusing component materials.
Which one should you use?
リサイクルする is a loanword from English and is commonly used for the general act of recycling waste materials. In contrast, 再生する is more formal or technical and often refers to the process of regenerating or reproducing materials or resources.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you recycled something in the past, use the form リサイクルした. To say 'I recycle' or 'I am recycling' in a polite way, use the form リサイクルしています.
How do you pronounce it?
risaikuru suru
Did you know?
- The phrase もったいない describes the feeling of regret when something is wasted, providing the cultural philosophy that drives the act of リサイクルする.
- The verb 再生する is also the standard word for 'playing' a piece of music or a video on a device.
- Japanese recycling is so rigorous that PET bottles must be 'recycled' by removing the cap and the plastic label separately before disposal.
Examples in context
- リサイクルするの？Do you recycle?This sentence is useful for asking if someone recycles using リサイクルする.Tatoeba #1430229 by bunbuku, translation #953208 by CK
- 「家庭でリサイクルすることは重要ですね。」Recycling at home is important, isn't it?
- 「この地域では資源再利用に力を入れています。」In this area, we are focusing on resource recycling.
- プラスチックをリサイクルする。purasuchikku o risaikuru suru.I will recycle the plastic.
- 古紙をリサイクルする予定です。koshi o risaikuru suru yotei desu.I plan to recycle old paper.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are sorting their trash together.
- 蓮 Renこれはリサイクルするゴミかな？Kore wa risaikuru suru gomi kana?I wonder if this is recyclable trash?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、プラスチックだからリサイクルしてね。Un, purasuchikku dakara risaikuru shite ne.Yes, it's plastic, so please recycle it.
- 蓮 Renわかった。どこに置けばいい？Wakatta. Doko ni okeba ii?Got it. Where should I put it?
- 陽葵 Himariあっちの青い箱に入れてください。Atchi no aoi hako ni irete kudasai.Please put it in that blue box over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recycle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
