うがいする
うがいする 30 सेकंड में
- うがいする (ugai suru) means to gargle or rinse your mouth and throat.
- It is a core part of Japanese daily hygiene, often paired with hand washing.
- The word is a 'suru-verb' and is almost always written in hiragana.
- It is used both for daily prevention and for treating a sore throat.
The Japanese verb うがいする (ugai suru) is a fundamental part of the Japanese daily lexicon, translating primarily to 'to gargle' or 'to rinse one's mouth.' However, its cultural weight in Japan far exceeds its English counterpart. While an English speaker might only gargle when they have a sore throat, a Japanese person is taught from early childhood that ugai is a vital preventative measure to stay healthy. It is almost always paired with 手洗い (tearai - hand washing). Together, the phrase 手洗いとうがい (tearai to ugai) represents the gold standard of personal hygiene and illness prevention in Japan, especially during the cold and flu seasons or the hay fever (pollen) season.
- Daily Ritual
- Upon returning home from school, work, or even a quick trip to the grocery store, the first thing many Japanese people do is head to the sink. They wash their hands thoroughly and then perform ugai. This habit is so ingrained that most Japanese households have a dedicated 'ugai cup' by the bathroom sink.
外から帰ったら、すぐにうがいするのが習慣です。 (Soto kara kaettara, sugu ni ugai suru no ga shuukan desu.) - It is my habit to gargle immediately after returning from outside.
- Onomatopoeic Nuance
- There are two distinct types of 'ugai' often discussed. The first is Buku-buku ugai, which is rinsing the cheeks and between the teeth (swishing). The second is Gara-gara ugai, which is the classic head-back throat gargle. If someone tells you to 'ugai suru,' they usually mean both, starting with the swish to clean the mouth and ending with the throat gargle.
喉が痛いので、イソジンでうがいしました。 (Nodo ga itai node, Isojin de ugai shimashita.) - My throat hurt, so I gargled with Isodine (povidone-iodine).
The term is a Suru-verb, meaning it is formed by taking the noun ugai (gargling) and adding suru (to do). In casual speech, you might just hear 'Ugai shita?' (Did you gargle?). In more formal settings, such as a doctor's office, you would hear 'Ugai o shite kudasai' (Please gargle). While the kanji 嗽 exists, it is extremely rare and considered 'Hyogaiji' (outside the common use list). You will almost exclusively see it written in Hiragana as うがい.
風邪の予防のために、毎日うがいしています。 (Kaze no yobou no tame ni, mainichi ugai shite imasu.) - I gargle every day to prevent colds.
- Social Expectation
- If you visit a Japanese home during the winter, the host might offer you a cup and say, 'Ugai shimasu ka?' (Would you like to gargle?). This isn't a comment on your hygiene; it's a polite gesture of hospitality to help you stay healthy during your visit. It is socially acceptable and even encouraged to gargle in public restrooms in Japan, a sight that might surprise Western visitors.
子供に「うがいしなさい」と注意した。 (Kodomo ni 'Ugai shinasai' to chuui shita.) - I warned my child, 'Gargle!'
In summary, ugai suru is more than just a medical action; it is a cultural ritual of cleansing and protection. Whether it's using green tea (which contains catechins thought to fight viruses), salt water, or specialized medicinal rinses, the act of ugai is a cornerstone of Japanese wellness. Understanding this word gives you a window into the Japanese emphasis on community health and personal discipline.
Using うがいする correctly involves understanding its nature as a Suru-verb. This means it follows the standard conjugation patterns of suru (do). Depending on the politeness level and the intention of the speaker, the verb can take many forms. Because it is an action usually performed with a liquid, the particle で (de) is frequently used to indicate the medium (water, tea, medicine).
- Basic Conjugation
- To say 'I gargle' politely, use うがいします (ugai shimasu). For the past tense, 'I gargled,' use うがいしました (ugai shimashita). In casual conversation with friends, you can use the dictionary form うがいする or the past form うがいした.
お茶でうがいすると風邪をひきにくいそうです。 (Ocha de ugai suru to kaze o hikinikui sou desu.) - I heard that gargling with tea makes it harder to catch a cold.
- Requests and Commands
- When asking someone to gargle, the -te form is used. 'うがいしてください' (Ugai shite kudasai) is a polite request. Parents often use the command form with their children: 'うがいしなさい!' (Ugai shinasai! - Do your gargling!).
診察の前に、まずここでうがいしてください。 (Shinsatsu no mae ni, mazu koko de ugai shite kudasai.) - Before the examination, please gargle here first.
The verb is also often used in the -te iru form to describe a habit. うがいしています (ugai shite imasu) means 'I am gargling' or 'I have been gargling (as a habit).' This is common when discussing health routines with a doctor or a friend.
インフルエンザが流行っているので、こまめにうがいしています。 (Infuruenza ga hayatte iru node, komame ni ugai shite imasu.) - Since the flu is going around, I am gargling frequently.
- Combining with Adverbs
- Common adverbs used with ugai suru include しっかり (shikkari - thoroughly), こまめに (komame ni - frequently/diligently), and 念入りに (nen'iri ni - carefully/conscientiously). These emphasize the effort put into the hygiene act.
塩水でうがいするのが一番効果的だと言う人もいます。 (Shiomizu de ugai suru no ga ichiban koukateki da to iu hito mo imasu.) - Some people say that gargling with salt water is the most effective.
Finally, it's important to note the negative forms. うがいしない (ugai shinai) is 'not gargle.' If you want to say someone 'didn't gargle,' use うがいしなかった (ugai shinakatta). Encouraging someone not to forget is うがいを忘れないで (ugai o wasurenaide).
If you spend any time in Japan during the winter months, you will hear うがいする everywhere. It is a staple of public service announcements, school morning assemblies, and family dinner table conversations. It is one of those words that bridges the gap between medical advice and common sense.
- In Schools
- Every Japanese elementary student knows the phrase 'Tearai, Ugai!' It’s often posted on colorful charts near the classroom sinks. Teachers will remind students: 'Kyoushitsu ni hairu mae ni, ugai shimashou!' (Let's gargle before entering the classroom!). It is treated with the same necessity as doing homework.
学校の放送で「手洗いとうがいをしましょう」と流れた。 (Gakkou no housou de 'Tearai to ugai o shimashou' to nagareta.) - An announcement played at school saying, 'Let's wash our hands and gargle.'
- In the Workplace
- In Japanese offices, especially in open-plan layouts, if one person starts coughing, it's common for a colleague to kindly suggest, 'Ugai shite kita hou ga ii desu yo' (It might be better if you go gargle). Companies often provide gargling solution (ugai-gusuri) in the staff restrooms during peak flu season.
会社の洗面所にうがい薬が置いてある。 (Kaisha no senmenjo ni ugai-gusuri ga oite aru.) - There is gargling medicine placed in the company's washroom.
You will also hear this at the pharmacy (yakkyoku). When you buy cold medicine, the pharmacist will almost certainly advise you: 'Shikkari ugai mo shite kudasai ne' (Please make sure to gargle thoroughly as well). It is seen as a complementary treatment to any oral medication.
薬局で「この薬でうがいしてください」と言われた。 (Yakkyoku de 'Kono kusuri de ugai shite kudasai' to iwaneta.) - I was told at the pharmacy, 'Please gargle with this medicine.'
- At the Dentist
- At a dental clinic, the dentist or assistant will frequently say 'Hai, ugai shite kudasai' (Okay, please rinse/gargle) after they finish a part of the procedure. In this context, it often refers to the 'buku-buku' (swishing) type of rinsing to clear the mouth of debris.
歯医者で「はい、うがいしてください」と言われた。 (Haisha de 'Hai, ugai shite kudasai' to iwaneta.) - At the dentist, I was told, 'Okay, please rinse.'
In essence, ugai suru is a word that follows you from the private bathroom to the public sphere, serving as a constant reminder of the Japanese commitment to hygiene and social responsibility.
While うがいする seems straightforward, there are several nuances and common pitfalls for English speakers and learners of Japanese. The most frequent errors involve confusing the type of rinsing or using the wrong grammatical particles.
- Confusing 'Ugai' with 'Kuchi o susugu'
- In English, 'rinse' can apply to many things. In Japanese, ugai specifically involves the mouth and throat. If you are rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth (swishing and spitting), it is ugai (specifically buku-buku ugai). However, if you are rinsing soap off your hands or washing a dish, you must use susugu (すすぐ) or arainagasu (洗い流す). Never use ugai for non-oral rinsing.
❌ お皿をうがいする。 (Incorrect: Gargle the dishes.)
✅ お皿をすすぐ。 (Correct: Rinse the dishes.)
- Particle Confusion: 'o' vs. 'de'
- Learners often use o when they should use de. If you are using a liquid (like water) to perform the act, use de. Mizu de ugai suru (Gargle with water). If you use o, it implies 'to gargle the water' which sounds like you are acting upon the water itself rather than using it as a tool.
❌ 水をうがいする。 (Awkward: Gargle the water.)
✅ 水でうがいする。 (Natural: Gargle with water.)
Another mistake is the assumption that ugai is only for the throat. As mentioned before, ugai covers both the mouth and the throat. In a medical context, if a doctor wants you to specifically gargle deep in the throat, they might say nodo no oku de ugai shite (gargle in the back of the throat). Conversely, if they just want you to rinse your mouth, they might say kuchi no naka o yusugu.
- Misunderstanding 'Ugai-gusuri'
- Foreigners sometimes mistake ugai-gusuri (gargling medicine) for something you should swallow. It is purely for gargling and spitting out. Always look for the 'うがい用' (for gargling) label on bottles in Japan.
❌ うがい薬を飲みました。 (Incorrect: I drank the gargling medicine.)
✅ うがい薬でうがいしました。 (Correct: I gargled with gargling medicine.)
Finally, remember that ugai suru is a verb of action. Using it as a noun requires the particle no or koto to nominalize it, or simply using the noun form ugai. For example, 'Ugai wa taisetsu desu' (Gargling is important) is better than 'Ugai suru wa taisetsu desu.'
While うがいする is the most common way to say 'to gargle,' Japanese has several related terms that offer more specific meanings depending on the context—whether it's medical, formal, or descriptive of the sound.
- すすぐ (Susugu)
- This is a general word for 'to rinse.' It can be used for the mouth (kuchi o susugu), but it is also used for clothes, dishes, or hair. It lacks the 'throat' connotation that ugai has.
- ゆすぐ (Yusugu)
- Very similar to susugu, but yusugu often implies a more vigorous shaking or swishing action. You 'yusugu' a bottle to clean the inside, or 'yusugu' your mouth after eating.
食後に口をゆすぐ。 (Shokugo ni kuchi o yusugu.) - Rinse the mouth after a meal.
- 含嗽する (Gansou suru)
- This is the formal, medical term for gargling. You will see this in medical textbooks, on hospital signs, or in formal medical reports. It is the 'Sino-Japanese' (Kango) version of ugai.
指示に従って含嗽を行ってください。 (Shiji ni shitagatte gansou o okonatte kudasai.) - Please perform gargling according to the instructions.
- ガラガラ (Gara-gara)
- This is the onomatopoeia for the sound of gargling. While not a verb itself, it is often used with suru to emphasize the throat-gargling action: 'Gara-gara suru.'
- ブクブク (Buku-buku)
- The onomatopoeia for the sound of swishing water in the mouth. Used to specify rinsing the mouth/cheeks rather than the throat.
「ガラガラ」とうがいをして、「ブクブク」と口をゆすぐ。 (Gara-gara to ugai o shite, buku-buku to kuchi o yusugu.) - Gargle with a 'gara-gara' sound and rinse the mouth with a 'buku-buku' sound.
In summary, while ugai suru is your 'all-purpose' word, knowing yusugu for general rinsing and gansou for formal contexts will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. Always pay attention to whether you are cleaning just the mouth or the throat as well!
How Formal Is It?
रोचक तथ्य
The phonetic change from 'ukai' to 'ugai' happened over several centuries as the word became associated with hygiene rather than fishing. The rare kanji for 'ugai' (嗽) actually means 'cough' in Chinese, but in Japanese, it was adopted for gargling.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing the 'u' too long like 'oo-gai'.
- English-style 'r' in 'suru' instead of the Japanese tap.
- Dropping the initial 'u' (saying 'gai suru').
- Misplacing the pitch accent on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing 'ai' as two separate vowels rather than a diphthong.
कठिनाई स्तर
Very easy as it's mostly in Hiragana.
Simple hiragana, but 'suru' verb conjugation must be learned.
Pronunciation is easy, but pitch accent takes practice.
Distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Suru-verbs (Noun + する)
うがい (noun) + する = うがいする (verb)
Particle 'de' for means/instrument
水で (with water) うがいする
-te form for requests
うがいしてください (Please gargle)
Nominalizing with 'no'
うがいするのは大切だ (Gargling is important)
Conditional 'tara'
帰ったら、うがいする (When I get home, I'll gargle)
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
うがいをします。
I gargle.
Simple present polite form.
水でうがいします。
I gargle with water.
Use 'de' for the medium used.
うがいしましたか?
Did you gargle?
Past tense question.
うがいしてください。
Please gargle.
-te kudasai for requests.
毎日うがいします。
I gargle every day.
Using 'mainichi' as an adverb.
手洗いとうがい。
Hand washing and gargling.
Common noun pairing.
ここでうがいします。
I gargle here.
Using 'koko' for location.
うがい、した?
Did you gargle? (Casual)
Short past form for casual questions.
外から帰ったら、うがいします。
When I return from outside, I gargle.
-tara (when/if) conditional.
喉が痛いので、うがいしました。
My throat hurt, so I gargled.
-node (because) for reasons.
うがいをしないと、風邪をひきますよ。
If you don't gargle, you'll catch a cold.
-nai to (if not) conditional.
お茶でうがいするのはいいことです。
Gargling with tea is a good thing.
Nominalizing with 'no wa'.
うがいしなさいと母に言われました。
I was told by my mother to gargle.
Command form 'shinasai' in a quote.
しっかりうがいしてくださいね。
Please gargle thoroughly, okay?
'Shikkari' adverb for emphasis.
うがい薬はありますか?
Do you have gargling medicine?
Asking for an object.
うがいをしてから、ご飯を食べます。
After gargling, I eat a meal.
-te kara (after doing) sequence.
風邪の予防には、うがいが一番です。
For cold prevention, gargling is the best.
Using the noun 'ugai' as a subject.
こまめにうがいするようにしています。
I try to gargle frequently.
-youni shite iru (making an effort to).
うがいしすぎて、喉が痛くなりました。
I gargled too much and my throat started to hurt.
-sugiru (too much).
塩水でうがいすると、喉にいいですよ。
Gargling with salt water is good for your throat.
-to (if/when) natural consequence.
うがいの仕方を教えてください。
Please teach me how to gargle.
-kata (way of doing).
うがいをするのを忘れました。
I forgot to gargle.
-no o wasureru (forget to do).
学校ではみんなでうがいをします。
At school, everyone gargles together.
Collective action.
イソジンを使ってうがいします。
I gargle using Isodine.
-te form of 'tsukau' to show means.
うがいの効果については諸説あります。
There are various theories about the effectiveness of gargling.
Formal 'shosetsu' (various theories).
念入りにうがいをすることが推奨されています。
Conscientious gargling is recommended.
Passive voice 'suishou sarete iru'.
帰宅時のうがいは日本の習慣です。
Gargling upon returning home is a Japanese custom.
Noun modification with 'ji' (at the time of).
うがい薬を薄めて使ってください。
Please dilute the gargling medicine before use.
Verb 'ususmeru' (to dilute).
ガラガラとうがいをする音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of someone gargling (gara-gara).
Onomatopoeia with 'to'.
喉の粘膜を保護するためにうがいをする。
Gargle to protect the mucous membranes of the throat.
-tame ni (in order to).
最近はうがいをしない若者が増えているそうだ。
I heard that the number of young people who don't gargle is increasing lately.
Noun phrase 'ugai o shinai wakamono'.
うがいを怠ると、すぐに風邪をひいてしまう。
If you neglect gargling, you'll catch a cold right away.
Verb 'okotaru' (to neglect).
含嗽は口腔衛生を保つ上で不可欠である。
Gargling is indispensable for maintaining oral hygiene.
Formal term 'gansou' and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).
うがいの起源を辿ると、鵜飼に行き着くという説がある。
There is a theory that if you trace the origin of 'ugai,' you arrive at cormorant fishing.
-to iu setsu ga aru (there is a theory that).
水うがいだけでも、風邪の発症率を下げると言われている。
It is said that gargling with just water lowers the incidence of colds.
Compound 'mizu-ugai' and 'hasshouritsu' (incidence rate).
公共の場でのうがいは、マナーとして定着している。
Gargling in public places has become established as a matter of etiquette.
Verb 'teichaku suru' (to take root/become established).
医師は患者に、イソジンによる含嗽を命じた。
The doctor ordered the patient to gargle with Isodine.
Formal 'ni yoru' (by means of) and 'meijita' (ordered).
うがいを励行することで、集団感染を防ぐ。
Prevent mass infection by encouraging gargling.
Formal verb 'reikou suru' (to encourage/enforce).
喉の違和感を覚えたら、まずうがいをすべきだ。
If you feel something wrong with your throat, you should gargle first.
Noun 'iwakan' (strange feeling) and 'subeki' (should).
うがいの習慣化が、公衆衛生の向上に寄与している。
The habituation of gargling contributes to the improvement of public health.
Noun 'shuukanka' (habituation) and 'kiyo suru' (contribute).
日本人の衛生観念において、うがいは象徴的な行為である。
In the Japanese sense of hygiene, gargling is a symbolic act.
Sophisticated noun 'eiseikannen' (sense of hygiene).
「うがい」という語の音韻変化には、歴史的な変遷が見て取れる。
Historical transitions can be seen in the phonological changes of the word 'ugai.'
Technical term 'onn'in henka' (phonological change).
大規模な臨床試験により、含嗽の予防的価値が再評価されている。
Through large-scale clinical trials, the preventative value of gargling is being re-evaluated.
Complex noun phrase 'yobouteki kachi' (preventative value).
うがいを単なる迷信と切り捨てるのは、早計であろう。
It would be premature to dismiss gargling as mere superstition.
Grammar 'kirisuteru' (dismiss) and 'soukei' (premature).
伝統的な鵜飼の動作が、日常生活の「うがい」へと転用された経緯は興味深い。
The process by which the actions of traditional cormorant fishing were adapted into everyday 'ugai' is fascinating.
Formal 'ten'you sareta keii' (process of adaptation).
うがい薬の成分が環境に与える影響も、無視できない課題だ。
The impact of gargling medicine components on the environment is also an issue that cannot be ignored.
Negative potential 'mushi dekinai' (cannot ignore).
幼少期からのうがいの徹底が、国民全体の健康寿命を延ばす一助となっている可能性がある。
It is possible that the thoroughness of gargling since childhood helps extend the healthy life expectancy of the entire nation.
Complex sentence with 'kenkou jumyou' (healthy life expectancy).
文学作品における「うがい」の描写は、しばしば内面的な浄化を暗示する。
The depiction of gargling in literary works often implies internal purification.
Abstract term 'naimenteki jouka' (internal purification).
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
— The standard pairing for hygiene. Always mentioned together.
手洗い、うがいは風邪予防の基本です。
— A common greeting/check-in when someone comes home.
おかえり、うがいした?
— A polite request common in clinics or schools.
まず、あちらでうがいをしてください。
— Gargling solution/medicine.
うがい薬を買ってきました。
— A cup dedicated for gargling.
うがい用コップを新しく買った。
— Specifically the throat-gargling action.
ガラガラうがいを30秒する。
— Specifically the mouth-rinsing action.
まずはブクブクうがいから。
— Not gargling enough or thoroughly enough.
まだうがいが足りないよ。
— The habit of gargling.
うがいの習慣を身につける。
— To never miss gargling.
冬の間はうがいを欠かさない。
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
Susugu is for general rinsing (dishes, clothes). Ugai is for mouth/throat.
Nomu is to swallow. Ugai involves spitting the liquid out.
Arau is to wash (hands, face). Ugai is specifically for the internal mouth/throat.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
— A crow imitating a cormorant (who is good at 'ugai'/fishing). Means to fail by blindly imitating someone more capable.
彼の真似をしても、鵜の真似をする烏になるだけだ。
Literary— To wash the mouth. Sometimes used to mean taking back something bad you said.
そんな酷いことを言ったなら、口を洗ってきなさい。
Casual/Metaphorical— Once it passes the throat, the heat is forgotten. Once a danger is past, the lesson is forgotten.
喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れるで、彼はまた同じミスをした。
Common Proverb— If you eat poison, eat the plate too. If you start something bad, finish it.
もう戻れない、毒を食らわば皿までだ。
Idiomatic— Cannot close the open mouth. To be speechless with shock or disgust.
彼の失礼な態度に、開いた口が塞がらない。
Common— To say something until the mouth turns sour. To repeat advice over and over.
うがいをするように口を酸っぱくして言ったのに。
Common— Hand coming out of the throat. To want something desperately.
あの時計が喉から手が出るほど欲しい。
Common— To muddy the mouth. To speak ambiguously to avoid a clear answer.
彼は本当の理由については口を濁した。
Common— To make the throat sound. To gulp in anticipation of food or drink.
美味しそうなビールを見て喉を鳴らす。
Common— To break the mouth. To confess or spill a secret.
犯人はついに口を割った。
Commonआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both involve water in the mouth.
Yusugu is swishing (mouth only). Ugai includes gargling (throat).
歯磨きの後はゆすぐ、風邪予防はうがいする。
Sounds similar without the 'u'.
Gaisuru (害する) means to harm or damage. Ugai is hygiene.
健康を害する vs うがいする。
Similar sounds.
Ukagau means to visit or ask politely. Completely unrelated.
お宅にうかがう vs 喉をうがいする。
Learners forget 'suru'.
Ugai is the noun 'gargling'. Ugai suru is the action 'to gargle'.
うがいは大切だ vs 今からうがいする。
Both happen at the sink.
Hamigaki is brushing teeth. Ugai is gargling.
はみがきの後にうがいをする。
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
[Object] でうがいします。
水でうがいします。
[Action] したら、うがいします。
帰ったら、うがいします。
うがいをしてください。
あそこでうがいをしてください。
うがいするようにしています。
毎日うがいするようにしています。
うがいしたほうがいいですよ。
喉が痛いなら、うがいしたほうがいいですよ。
うがいの効果は [Result] です。
うがいの効果は人によります。
うがいを励行すべきだ。
冬場はうがいを励行すべきだ。
うがいの習慣化が [Noun] に寄与する。
うがいの習慣化が健康維持に寄与する。
शब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
संबंधित
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Extremely high during winter, high year-round in hygiene contexts.
-
Using 'ugai suru' for rinsing dishes.
→
Sara o susugu (皿をすすぐ).
Ugai is only for the human mouth/throat.
-
Saying 'mizu o ugai suru'.
→
Mizu de ugai suru.
Use 'de' to indicate the liquid used as a tool.
-
Swallowing the 'ugai-gusuri'.
→
Spit it out.
Gargling medicine is toxic if consumed in large amounts. Always spit.
-
Confusing 'ugai' with 'ukai'.
→
Ugai (Gargle) vs Ukai (Cormorant fishing).
Though related, 'ukai' is a specific fishing term.
-
Using 'ugai' for brushing teeth.
→
Hamigaki (歯磨き).
They are different actions. You 'ugai' after you 'hamigaki'.
सुझाव
The 'Tearai-Ugai' Rule
When you enter a Japanese home or school, remember the sequence: shoes off, hands washed, throat gargled. It's the ultimate 'I respect this space' move.
Using 'Suru' Correcty
Since it's a suru-verb, you can make it a polite request by saying 'Ugai shite kudasai.' It's very versatile!
Water is Enough
Studies in Japan have shown that simple water gargling significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold. Don't feel pressured to buy expensive solutions.
Learn the Onomatopoeia
Knowing 'gara-gara' and 'buku-buku' will help you understand specific instructions at the dentist or from a doctor.
Public Gargling
Don't be shy! If you feel a scratchy throat while out in Tokyo, feel free to use a public sink for a quick 'ugai.' It's socially praised.
Particle 'De'
Always use 'de' for the liquid. 'Ocha de ugai suru' (Gargle with tea). Using 'o' sounds like you are gargling the tea itself as an object.
Winter Essential
In winter (December-February), this word's frequency triples. It's the most important health word for the season.
The Bird Connection
Remember the cormorant fishing (ukai) to never forget the word 'ugai.' The bird spits out the fish, you spit out the water!
U-G-A-I
U Gargle Against Illness! (U-G-A-I). A simple English acronym to remember the meaning.
Hiragana is King
Even though kanji exists, using it might make you look like a medical textbook. Stick to hiragana for daily use.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Imagine a bird (a cormorant) making a 'U' shape with its neck to 'GAI' (gargle) and then 'SURU' (do) it at the sink.
दृश्य संबंध
Picture a 'U' shaped sink where a person is gargling. The 'U' reminds you of the first letter of 'Ugai'.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to say 'Ugai shimasu' every time you go to the bathroom today. Even if you don't actually gargle, saying the word will cement the habit.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
The word 'ugai' is believed to originate from 'ukai' (鵜飼), which is the traditional Japanese method of fishing using cormorants. In ukai, the fisherman makes the bird spit out the fish it has caught. The act of spitting out liquid from the mouth reminded people of this process.
मूल अर्थ: Spitting out like a cormorant.
Japonicसांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Be aware that making loud 'gara-gara' sounds in a quiet public restroom might be surprising to non-Japanese people, but it is perfectly normal in Japan.
English speakers usually only gargle when they already have a sore throat. The idea of doing it every day as prevention is a unique Japanese cultural point to explain.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Returning home
- ただいま、うがいするね。
- うがいした?
- まずうがいしてきて。
- 手洗いとうがいを忘れずに。
At the clinic
- 喉が痛いので、うがい薬をください。
- 一日三回うがいしてください。
- うがいはしていますか?
- ここでうがいをお願いします。
School environment
- うがいをしましょう!
- うがいの時間ですよ。
- みんなでうがいをしよう。
- うがいコップを持ってきて。
Winter season
- 風邪が流行っているからうがいして。
- お茶でうがいするといいよ。
- しっかりうがいしよう。
- うがいが一番の予防だ。
At the dentist
- はい、うがいしてください。
- もう一度うがいをお願いします。
- 口をよくゆすいでください。
- うがい、終わりです。
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"「手洗いとうがい」は、あなたの国でも一般的ですか? (Is 'handwashing and gargling' common in your country?)"
"風邪の予防のために、何か特別なうがいをしていますか? (Do you do any special kind of gargling to prevent colds?)"
"日本ではお茶でうがいをすることもありますが、どう思いますか? (In Japan, people sometimes gargle with tea; what do you think?)"
"うがい薬は何を使っていますか? (What kind of gargling medicine do you use?)"
"子供の頃、うがいをするように厳しく言われましたか? (Were you told strictly to gargle when you were a child?)"
डायरी विषय
今日の健康管理について書いてください。うがいはしましたか? (Write about your health management today. Did you gargle?)
日本に来て驚いた習慣について。うがいの習慣はどう思いましたか? (About a custom that surprised you in Japan. What did you think of the gargling habit?)
風邪をひいた時のあなたのルーティンを説明してください。 (Explain your routine when you catch a cold.)
「手洗い・うがい」の重要性について自分の考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the importance of 'handwashing and gargling.')
あなたが知っている面白い健康法を一つ紹介してください。 (Introduce one interesting health method you know.)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, you don't. In Japan, gargling with plain tap water is very common and considered effective for daily prevention. Some people also use green tea or salt water.
Not exactly. Mouthwash is often for breath or dental health. 'Ugai' is primarily for the throat and preventing respiratory illnesses, though it can include mouth rinsing.
No, for washing your face, use 'kao o arau' (顔を洗う). 'Ugai' is strictly for the mouth and throat.
In Japan, it is not rude at all. It is seen as a sign that you are taking care of your health. You will often see people doing it in office or train station restrooms.
The onomatopoeia is 'gara-gara' (ガラガラ). People often use this word to describe the action, especially to children.
Health guidelines in Japan often suggest gargling for about 15-20 seconds, three times in a row.
Yes. First, you 'buku-buku' (swish) to clean the mouth and spit. Then you 'gara-gara' (tilt head back and gargle the throat) twice and spit.
Green tea contains catechins, which are believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a popular 'natural' gargling solution.
Yes, 'ugai' is a noun. Example: 'Ugai wa kaze no yobou ni naru' (Gargling becomes a cold prevention).
It is a concentrated solution you mix with water to gargle. The most famous brand in Japan is Isodine.
खुद को परखो 200 सवाल
Write 'I gargle' in polite Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I gargle with water' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Please gargle' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I gargled' (casual) in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I gargle every day to prevent colds.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I forgot to gargle today.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is recommended to gargle thoroughly.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Gargling with green tea is effective.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the cultural significance of 'ugai' in Japan (in Japanese).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence using '含嗽'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'gargle and handwash' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Don't gargle' (casual) in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I want to gargle' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I heard that gargling is good' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Gargling is a sign of hygiene' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Is it water?' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I am gargling' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'If you gargle, you won't get sick' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'The sound was gara-gara' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Gargling is a preventative measure' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'I gargle' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Water, please' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Please gargle here.'
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Did you gargle?' (casual).
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Explain that you gargle every day.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'I forgot to gargle.'
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Describe the sound of gargling using onomatopoeia.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Tell someone they should gargle with tea.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Discuss the preventative benefits of gargling.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Use the formal term for gargling in a sentence.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'Hand washing and gargling'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'I will gargle now'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'My throat hurts, so I gargle'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'It is a Japanese custom'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'I encourage gargling'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'Yes, I gargled'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'Gargle with salt water'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'I try to gargle'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'Gargling medicine is here'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Say 'The origin is interesting'.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to: 'うがいします。' What is the action?
Listen to: '水で。' What is the medium?
Listen to: 'うがいしてください。' Is this a request or a statement?
Listen to: 'うがいした?' Is this formal or informal?
Listen to: 'うがい薬。' What item is mentioned?
Listen to: 'こまめに。' What is the frequency?
Listen to: 'ガラガラ。' What sound is this?
Listen to: '予防。' What is the purpose?
Listen to: '含嗽。' What is the formal topic?
Listen to: '励行。' What is being done with the habit?
Listen to: '手洗い。' What is the other action?
Listen to: 'お茶で。' What is the medium?
Listen to: '喉が痛い。' Why gargle?
Listen to: '習慣。' What is 'ugai' called?
Listen to: '粘膜。' What part of the body is protected?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
In Japan, 'ugai suru' is not just for when you are sick; it is a vital daily ritual for preventing colds and staying healthy. Always remember: 'Tearai, Ugai!' (Wash hands, gargle!).
- うがいする (ugai suru) means to gargle or rinse your mouth and throat.
- It is a core part of Japanese daily hygiene, often paired with hand washing.
- The word is a 'suru-verb' and is almost always written in hiragana.
- It is used both for daily prevention and for treating a sore throat.
The 'Tearai-Ugai' Rule
When you enter a Japanese home or school, remember the sequence: shoes off, hands washed, throat gargled. It's the ultimate 'I respect this space' move.
Using 'Suru' Correcty
Since it's a suru-verb, you can make it a polite request by saying 'Ugai shite kudasai.' It's very versatile!
Water is Enough
Studies in Japan have shown that simple water gargling significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold. Don't feel pressured to buy expensive solutions.
Learn the Onomatopoeia
Knowing 'gara-gara' and 'buku-buku' will help you understand specific instructions at the dentist or from a doctor.
उदाहरण
外から帰ったら、手洗いうがいをしましょう。
संबंधित सामग्री
health के और शब्द
しばらく
B1कुछ समय के लिए, थोड़ी देर के लिए।
異変がある
B1असामान्य परिवर्तन या विकृति है। कुछ ठीक नहीं है। (असामान्य स्थिति मौजूद है।)
異常な
B1असामान्य; असाधारण। यह उस चीज़ का वर्णन करता है जो सामान्य से अलग है।
擦り傷
B1त्वचा पर एक खरोंच या रगड़। यह आमतौर पर किसी खुरदरी सतह से टकराने या गिरने के कारण होती है।
吸収する
B1स्पंज पानी सोख लेता है।
禁酒
B1शराब से परहेज। 'डॉक्टर ने उसे शराब छोड़ने (kinshu) की सलाह दी।'
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1एक्यूपंक्चर और मोक्सीबस्टन पारंपरिक जापानी उपचार पद्धतियां हैं।
急性的
B1इसका अर्थ है 'तीव्र' या 'अचानक'। यह किसी बीमारी या संकट के लिए उपयोग होता है जो अचानक और तीव्रता से होता है।
急性な
B1Acute