Dirt, grime, or physical uncleanness; stains or dirtiness on objects or surfaces.
床の汚れを雑巾でしっかり拭いた。
I wiped the floor's dirt thoroughly with a cloth.
シャツについた汚れがなかなか落ちない。
The stain on the shirt won't come out easily.
窓の汚れが目立っていたので掃除した。
The window was noticeably dirty, so I cleaned it.
Disgrace, stain on reputation, shame, corruption or moral stain—used figuratively for reputational or moral dirtiness.
そのスキャンダルは会社の汚れとなった。
That scandal became a stain on the company's reputation.
彼の過去の汚れが明るみに出た。
The stains of his past came to light.
汚れを拭い去るために謝罪と改革が必要だ。
To wash away the stain, an apology and reforms are needed.
Ritual impurity or defilement associated with contact with death, pregnancy, menstruation, etc.; an idea of uncleanness in religious/ritual contexts.
伝統的には死に触れた者は穢れ（汚れ）があるとされた。
Traditionally, those who had contact with death were considered to carry defilement.
穢れを清めるための儀式が地域によって残っている。
Rituals to purify defilement remain in some regions.