यह पेज आपकी भाषा में

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

A2 verb #1,500 सबसे आम 12 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

洗います

araimasu शीर्ष 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and essential verbs for daily survival and routine, and 洗います (araimasu) is one of the first action verbs taught. At this stage, the focus is entirely on the literal, physical act of washing using water. Learners are taught to associate this verb with everyday objects and body parts to form simple, direct sentences. The primary grammatical structure learned is [Noun] + を (o) + 洗います. For example, '手を洗います' (I wash my hands) or 'りんごを洗います' (I wash the apple). Vocabulary building at this level pairs 洗います with common nouns like 手 (te - hands), 顔 (kao - face), 車 (kuruma - car), and お皿 (osara - dishes). Students also learn the basic negative form, 洗いません (araimasen - I do not wash), and the past tense, 洗いました (araimashita - I washed). The cultural context introduced at A1 is the importance of hygiene in Japan, such as washing hands immediately upon returning home or before eating. The verb is treated as a simple, mechanical action, and learners are encouraged to use it to describe their morning and evening routines. Complex conjugations are avoided, and the emphasis is on rote memorization of the polite 'masu' form to ensure respectful communication in basic interactions. By mastering 洗います at the A1 level, students gain the ability to describe fundamental self-care and household chores, laying the groundwork for more complex narrative descriptions of their daily lives in subsequent levels.

At the A2 level, which is the target level for this comprehensive overview, the usage of 洗います expands significantly to include more complex sentence structures and a wider variety of conjugations. Learners move beyond simple statements and begin to link actions using the te-form (洗って - aratte). This allows for sequential descriptions, such as 'ご飯を食べて、お皿を洗います' (I eat a meal, and then wash the dishes). The te-form also enables learners to make polite requests using '～てください', as in '手を洗ってください' (Please wash your hands), which is a crucial phrase for navigating social situations and public spaces in Japan. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the continuous form, 洗っています (aratte imasu - is washing), allowing them to describe actions happening in the present moment. The plain dictionary form (洗う - arau) and plain past form (洗った - aratta) are also introduced, enabling students to construct relative clauses, such as '洗ったお皿' (the washed dishes), and to use the verb in casual conversations with friends. At this level, the distinction between 洗います and similar verbs like 掃除します (souji shimasu - to clean) and 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu - to do laundry) is solidified, preventing common beginner mistakes. Students also learn to use the particle で (de) to indicate the tool used for washing, such as '石鹸で洗います' (wash with soap). Overall, A2 equips learners with the grammatical flexibility to use 洗います dynamically in recounting experiences, giving instructions, and describing ongoing activities.

At the B1 level, learners begin to encounter and utilize 洗います in more sophisticated grammatical frameworks, moving away from simple declarative sentences into the realm of potential, passive, and causative forms. The potential form, 洗えます (araemasu - can wash), becomes essential for discussing the properties of items, such as reading clothing labels: 'このセーターは洗濯機で洗えます' (This sweater can be washed in a washing machine). The passive form, 洗われる (arawareru - to be washed), and the causative form, 洗わせる (arawaseru - to make someone wash), are introduced to describe interpersonal dynamics and obligations, such as a parent making a child wash the dishes: '母は私にお皿を洗わせました' (My mother made me wash the dishes). At this intermediate stage, learners also start to see the verb used in conditional clauses, such as '洗えば' (if you wash it) or '洗ったら' (when/if you wash it), allowing for hypothetical statements like 'このシャツは洗えばきれいになります' (This shirt will become clean if you wash it). Vocabulary expansion at B1 includes more specific terms related to washing, such as 洗剤 (senzai - detergent) and すすぐ (susugu - to rinse), allowing for more detailed descriptions of the cleaning process. Furthermore, learners begin to recognize the verb in compound nouns, such as 洗い物 (araimono - dishes to be washed). The B1 level transitions the learner from merely describing actions to explaining processes, conditions, and abilities related to the concept of washing.

At the B2 level, the comprehension and application of 洗います transcend literal physical cleaning and enter the domain of idiomatic expressions, metaphorical usage, and nuanced social contexts. Learners are expected to understand and use phrases where 'washing' implies a psychological or social cleansing. The most prominent example is the idiom '足を洗う' (ashi o arau), which literally translates to 'washing one's feet' but is used to mean 'cutting ties with a bad past' or 'quitting an illicit job.' Understanding such idioms requires a deeper cultural and linguistic intuition that B2 learners are developing. Additionally, learners encounter the verb in more abstract contexts, such as '命の洗濯' (inochi no sentaku - washing of life), referring to a deeply refreshing vacation or break. Grammatically, B2 students seamlessly integrate 洗います into complex sentence patterns expressing purpose, concession, and expectation. They can comfortably discuss environmental issues related to washing, such as water conservation (節水) or the pollution caused by detergents, using appropriate terminology. The ability to read and comprehend instructions on complex household appliances, like advanced washing machines or dishwashers, using terms like '水洗い' (mizuarai - washing with water) or '丸洗い' (maruarai - washing whole), is also expected. At this upper-intermediate level, the verb is no longer just a tool for describing chores, but a versatile lexical item used to express complex ideas, understand cultural idioms, and navigate sophisticated real-world texts and conversations.

At the C1 level, learners possess a near-native command of the verb 洗います, utilizing it effortlessly across a broad spectrum of registers, from highly formal written Japanese to colloquial slang. The focus at this advanced stage is on stylistic nuance, literary applications, and precise vocabulary selection. C1 users understand that while 洗います is correct, in certain formal or academic contexts, Sino-Japanese compound verbs (kango) might be more appropriate. For instance, discussing the 'washing' of money in a legal or news context requires the term 資金洗浄 (shikin senjou - money laundering), rather than using the verb 洗う directly. In literary contexts, learners appreciate the poetic use of the verb, such as '心を洗われる' (kokoro o arawareru), which describes an experience so beautiful or pure that it feels as though one's heart has been washed or cleansed. They can engage in deep discussions about the cultural history of cleanliness in Japan, referencing Shinto purification rituals (禊 - misogi) and how the fundamental concept of 洗う is tied to spiritual purity (清浄 - shoujou). Grammatically, C1 learners manipulate the verb with absolute precision, using highly complex structures like causative-passive (洗わせられる - to be made to wash) without hesitation. They can also detect subtle regional variations or historical shifts in how the verb and its related compounds are used. At C1, 洗います is fully integrated into the learner's extensive linguistic repertoire, allowing for elegant, accurate, and culturally resonant expression.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 洗います is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. Learners at this pinnacle of proficiency possess a deep etymological understanding of the kanji 洗 and its historical evolution within the Japanese language. They are familiar with classical Japanese (kobun) usages and how the concept of washing was expressed in ancient texts like the Tale of Genji or the Man'yoshu. C2 users can effortlessly navigate highly specialized domains, such as industrial cleaning processes, textile manufacturing, or historical linguistics, using the exact terminology required. They understand the subtle phonetic shifts and historical kana orthography (rekishiteki kanazukai) related to the verb. Furthermore, they can creatively play with the language, inventing metaphors or understanding obscure puns based on the concept of washing. In debate or academic discourse, they can deconstruct the societal implications of cleanliness in Japan, analyzing how the simple act of 洗う is weaponized or celebrated in media and literature. The C2 learner does not just use the word; they understand its weight, its history, and its precise position within the vast web of the Japanese lexicon. They can critique translations of the word, explaining why 'wash' might be insufficient to capture the nuance of a specific Japanese sentence. At this level, the linguistic and cultural boundaries dissolve, and the verb is wielded with absolute authority, creativity, and profound cultural empathy.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

洗います 30 सेकंड में

Means 'to wash' with water.
Group 1 (Godan) verb.
Uses the particle を (o).
Not used for brushing teeth.

The Japanese verb 洗います (araimasu), which originates from the dictionary form 洗う (arau), is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates primarily to 'to wash' in English. This action encompasses a wide variety of contexts, from washing one's hands and body to cleaning clothes, dishes, and even abstract concepts in idiomatic expressions. Understanding the depth of this word requires looking at its kanji, 洗, which is composed of the water radical (氵) on the left and the phonetic component 先 (sen/saki) on the right. The water radical immediately indicates that the action involves liquid, typically water, which is central to the concept of washing. In Japanese culture, the act of washing is not merely a physical chore but is deeply tied to concepts of purity, cleanliness, and respect. For instance, before entering a Shinto shrine, visitors perform a ritual washing of their hands and mouth at a water pavilion called a chozuya. This act of purification is a cultural extension of the basic meaning of 洗います.

毎日、夕食の後に必ずお皿を洗います。

When you use this verb, you are indicating the removal of dirt, impurities, or stains using water or a cleaning agent. It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb, meaning its conjugation follows a specific, predictable pattern that learners encounter early in their studies.

Physical Washing: This refers to the literal act of cleaning items like clothing (服を洗う), dishes (皿を洗う), or vehicles (車を洗う) using water and soap.

The versatility of 洗います makes it indispensable for daily conversation. Whether you are discussing your morning routine, explaining household chores, or talking about personal hygiene, this verb will frequently appear.

外から帰ったら、まず手を洗います。

In the context of language learning, mastering 洗います opens the door to understanding a broader semantic field related to cleanliness.

Personal Hygiene: Using the verb to describe washing parts of the body, such as hands (手を洗う), face (顔を洗う), or hair (髪を洗う).

冷たい水で顔を洗います。

It is also important to note the grammatical structure typically associated with this verb. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes the object particle を (o), indicating the thing that is receiving the action of being washed. For example, in the sentence '車を洗います' (I wash the car), '車' (car) is the direct object. Furthermore, the verb can be used in compound forms or idiomatic expressions that extend its meaning beyond literal washing.

Metaphorical Washing: Using the concept of washing to imply clearing away guilt, cutting ties with a bad past, or refreshing one's state of mind.

週末は車をきれいに洗います。

汚れた靴をブラシで洗います。

The cultural emphasis on cleanliness in Japan cannot be overstated. From the daily ritual of taking a bath (お風呂に入る) where one must wash their body (体を洗う) before entering the tub, to the meticulous cleaning of public spaces, the action represented by 洗います is a cornerstone of Japanese daily life. Therefore, internalizing not just the translation, but the situational applications of this verb, will greatly enhance your communicative competence and cultural fluency in Japanese. The repetition of this action in daily life means you will have countless opportunities to practice and hear this word in authentic contexts.

Using 洗います correctly involves understanding its conjugation patterns, its syntactic role as a transitive verb, and the specific particles it requires. As a Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in 'u' (う) in its dictionary form (洗う), its conjugations follow the standard rules for this verb class. The polite non-past form is 洗います (araimasu), which is used in formal or standard polite situations, such as speaking to colleagues, acquaintances, or people older than you. The plain non-past form is 洗う (arau), used with close friends, family, or in casual writing.

私は毎朝、髪を洗います。

To construct a basic sentence, you typically need a subject (often omitted if understood from context), a direct object, the object particle を (o), and the verb. For example, 'I wash the dishes' translates to '(私は) お皿を洗います'.

Te-Form Conjugation: The te-form of 洗う is 洗って (aratte). This is crucial for making requests, such as '手を洗ってください' (Please wash your hands), or linking actions.

The negative forms are equally important. The polite negative is 洗いません (araimasen - do not wash), and the plain negative is 洗わない (arawanai).

今日は疲れたので、お皿を洗いません。

For past actions, you use the past tense forms: polite past is 洗いました (araimashita - washed), and plain past is 洗った (aratta).

Potential Form: The potential form is 洗えます (araemasu - can wash). This is used to express ability or possibility, such as 'このセーターは家で洗えます' (This sweater can be washed at home).

昨日、新しい車を洗いました。

You will also frequently encounter the continuous or state-of-action form, 洗っています (aratte imasu - am washing). This is used when the action is currently taking place. For example, if someone calls you and asks what you are doing, you might reply, '今、お皿を洗っています' (I am washing the dishes right now).

Volitional Form: The volitional form is 洗おう (araou - let's wash) in plain speech, or 洗いましょう (araimashou) in polite speech. Used to suggest doing the action together.

一緒に犬を洗いましょう。

この野菜は水でよく洗ってください。

Understanding these conjugations allows you to express a wide range of nuances, from simple statements of fact to complex requests, abilities, and ongoing actions. Furthermore, mastering the use of particles with 洗います is essential. While を marks the object, に (ni) or へ (e) are rarely used with this verb unless specifying a location where the washing water goes, which is uncommon. Instead, で (de) is heavily used to indicate the location of the action (お風呂場で体を洗う - wash the body in the bathroom) or the instrument used (スポンジで洗う - wash with a sponge). By combining these grammatical elements, you can create rich, descriptive sentences that accurately convey your intended meaning in any situation requiring the concept of washing.

The verb 洗います is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, making it one of the most frequently heard verbs in both private and public spheres. You will encounter it in a multitude of contexts, ranging from intimate domestic settings to formal public announcements. One of the most common places you will hear or see this word is in the home, specifically regarding household chores and personal hygiene. Parents frequently use it to instruct their children, saying things like 'ご飯の前に手を洗いなさい' (Wash your hands before eating).

トイレの後は必ず手を洗います。

In the kitchen, the phrase お皿を洗う (washing the dishes) is a daily staple of conversation among family members or roommates dividing up chores.

Public Restrooms: Signs in public restrooms often feature the kanji 洗, reminding patrons to wash their hands, especially in restaurants and food service areas.

Beyond the home, the concept of washing is highly visible in Japanese society. During the global health events of recent years, public service announcements, posters, and television commercials heavily emphasized the importance of handwashing, making the phrase 手洗い (tearai - handwashing) and the verb 洗いましょう (let's wash) incredibly prominent.

感染症予防のために、しっかり手を洗いましょう。

You will also hear this verb in commercial settings. For instance, at a car wash, the staff might ask how you want your car washed, or at a dry cleaner, they might explain that a certain delicate fabric cannot be washed with water (水で洗えません).

Clothing Labels: When shopping for clothes in Japan, checking the tags will reveal instructions on whether the item can be washed (洗える) or must be dry-cleaned.

このシャツは洗濯機で洗えます。

Furthermore, the verb appears in various idiomatic expressions used in adult conversation, literature, and media. A famous idiom is 足を洗う (ashi o arau), which literally means 'to wash one's feet' but figuratively means to wash one's hands of a bad situation, quit a shady business, or turn over a new leaf. You might hear this in Japanese dramas or movies, particularly those dealing with crime or redemption arcs.

Shrines and Temples: At religious sites, the act of purifying oneself with water before praying is a traditional practice where the concept of washing is elevated to a spiritual level.

神社に入る前に、水で手を洗います。

泥棒から足を洗って、真面目に働きます。

In educational settings, teachers use the verb when instructing students in art class to wash their paintbrushes (筆を洗う), or in science class to wash test tubes. The sheer variety of contexts—from the mundane task of scrubbing a potato to the metaphorical cleansing of one's past—demonstrates the fundamental importance of 洗います in the Japanese lexicon. By paying attention to these different environments, learners can quickly grasp the subtle nuances and broad applicability of this essential verb.

While 洗います is a fundamental and frequently used verb, learners of Japanese often make specific mistakes regarding its application, primarily due to direct translation from their native languages. The most prevalent error is overextending the meaning of 'to wash' to contexts where Japanese uses entirely different verbs. In English, you 'wash' your teeth, 'wash' the floor, and 'wash' your clothes. In Japanese, however, the vocabulary is much more compartmentalized based on the specific action and object.

❌ 歯を洗います。
⭕ 歯を磨きます。

Brushing Teeth: You cannot use 洗います for brushing teeth. The correct verb is 磨きます (migakimasu), which means to polish or brush.

Another common area of confusion is cleaning the house. If you want to say 'I will wash the floor,' using 床を洗います sounds unnatural unless you are literally taking a hose and flooding the floor with water to scrub it. For normal household cleaning, sweeping, or mopping, the verb 掃除します (souji shimasu - to clean) or 拭きます (fukimasu - to wipe) is appropriate.

❌ 部屋を洗います。
⭕ 部屋を掃除します。

Washing Hair: While 髪を洗います is grammatically correct and understood, many Japanese people prefer to say シャンプーをします (to shampoo) when referring specifically to washing hair in the shower.

Particle mistakes are also frequent among beginners. Because washing is an action done *to* an object, it requires the direct object particle を (o). Some learners mistakenly use に (ni) or が (ga) incorrectly. For example, saying 手が洗います implies the hands are doing the washing themselves, which is nonsensical. It must be 手を洗います.

❌ 手が洗います。
⭕ 手を洗います。

Furthermore, there is a distinction between washing clothes and doing the laundry. While 服を洗います (wash clothes) is perfectly fine for describing the specific action of washing a garment, the broader chore of 'doing the laundry' is almost always expressed with the noun-verb combination 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu). Using 洗います to encompass the whole process of sorting, washing, drying, and folding is a slight unnatural usage.

Laundry vs. Washing: Use 洗濯します for the general chore of laundry. Use 洗います when focusing on the physical act of applying water and soap to a specific item.

週末はたくさん洗濯をします。（Not たくさん洗います）

この汚れは水で洗わないと落ちません。

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the conjugation of Godan verbs ending in 'u' (う). In the te-form, 洗う becomes 洗って (aratte), not 洗いて (araite) or 洗んで (arande). Memorizing the small 'tsu' (っ) rule for verbs ending in う, つ, and る is essential to avoid this morphological error. By being mindful of these common pitfalls—verb choice for specific cleaning actions, correct particle usage, distinguishing between specific washing and general laundry, and accurate conjugation—learners can use 洗います with native-like precision and confidence.

The Japanese language possesses a rich vocabulary for describing various methods of cleaning, purifying, and maintaining hygiene. While 洗います is the most general and widely used term for washing with water, several other verbs share similar semantic space but carry distinct nuances. Understanding these synonyms and related terms is crucial for expanding your vocabulary and expressing yourself with greater precision. The most immediate relative is 掃除します (souji shimasu), which means 'to clean.'

休みの日は家を掃除します。

掃除します (Souji shimasu): Used for cleaning rooms, houses, or spaces. It involves sweeping, vacuuming, and organizing, rather than just applying water.

Another highly relevant word is 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu), which specifically refers to doing the laundry. While you can say 服を洗う (wash clothes), 洗濯します encompasses the entire chore of washing, and often implies the use of a washing machine (洗濯機 - sentakuki).

洗濯します (Sentaku shimasu): Specifically used for washing clothes and fabrics. It is a suru-verb derived from a noun.

天気がいいので、シーツを洗濯します。

When it comes to cleaning surfaces by rubbing them, the verb 拭きます (fukimasu - to wipe) is essential. You wipe a table (テーブルを拭く) or dry your hands with a towel (タオルで手を拭く). This is different from 洗います, which requires a flow or pool of water to remove the dirt.

濡れた机を雑巾で拭きます。

For more specific types of washing, there are verbs like すすぐ (susugu) or ゆすぐ (yusugu), which mean to rinse. These are often used in the context of laundry (rinsing out the soap) or oral hygiene (rinsing one's mouth - 口をすすぐ).

すすぐ (Susugu): To rinse. This is the step that usually follows washing with soap (洗う) to remove the suds.

洗剤が残らないように、しっかりすすぎます。

Finally, in more formal, spiritual, or literary contexts, you might encounter words like 清める (kiyomeru - to purify) or 浄化する (jouka suru - to cleanse). These go beyond physical dirt and deal with spiritual impurity or abstract cleansing. While a beginner might simply use 洗います for washing hands at a shrine, the deeper cultural concept is 清める.

塩で身を清めます。

By distinguishing between 洗う (general washing with water), 掃除する (cleaning a space), 洗濯する (doing laundry), 拭く (wiping), and すすぐ (rinsing), you can articulate your daily routines and actions with the exactness expected of a proficient Japanese speaker. This semantic mapping prevents the awkwardness of using a one-size-fits-all translation and demonstrates a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the Japanese language.

How Formal Is It?

कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

手を洗います。

I wash my hands.

Noun + を + Verb (masu form)

顔を洗います。

I wash my face.

Basic transitive verb usage.

車を洗います。

I wash the car.

Direct object marked by を.

お皿を洗います。

I wash the dishes.

Polite prefix 'o' used with 'sara' (plate).

りんごを洗います。

I wash the apple.

Action applied to food items.

毎日洗います。

I wash it every day.

Adverb of frequency (毎日) with the verb.

水で洗います。

I wash it with water.

Particle で indicating the means/tool.

靴を洗いました。

I washed my shoes.

Past tense form (ました).

ご飯の前に手を洗ってください。

Please wash your hands before the meal.

Te-form + ください for polite requests.

今、お皿を洗っています。

I am washing the dishes right now.

Te-form + います for present continuous action.

石鹸でよく洗います。

I wash well with soap.

Adverb よく (well/thoroughly) modifying the verb.

このシャツは家で洗えます。

This shirt can be washed at home.

Potential form (洗える) in polite form (洗えます).

お風呂で体を洗います。

I wash my body in the bath.

Particle で indicating location of action.

犬を洗ってから、散歩に行きます。

After washing the dog, I will go for a walk.

Te-form + から meaning 'after doing X'.

冷たい水で顔を洗わないでください。

Please do not wash your face with cold water.

Negative te-form (ないで) + ください for negative requests.

一緒に車を洗いましょう。

Let's wash the car together.

Volitional polite form (ましょう) for suggestions.

この汚れは洗っても落ちません。

This stain won't come out even if you wash it.

Te-form + も meaning 'even if'.

母に靴を洗わされました。

I was made to wash my shoes by my mother.

Causative-passive form (洗わされる).

洗剤を使わずに水だけで洗います。

I wash it with just water, without using detergent.

Negative form ずに (without doing).

洗濯機で洗えるかどうか確認してください。

Please check whether or not it can be washed in a washing machine.

Embedded question with かどうか (whether or not).

お皿を洗うのが好きではありません。

I do not like washing dishes.

Nominalizing the verb with の (the act of washing).

手を洗うためにトイレに行きました。

I went to the restroom in order to wash my hands.

Dictionary form + ために (in order to).

洗えば洗うほど、生地が柔らかくなります。

The more you wash it, the softer the fabric becomes.

Conditional ば + Dictionary form + ほど (the more... the more...).

洗い終わったら、教えてください。

Please let me know when you finish washing.

Compound verb 洗い終わる (to finish washing).

彼はついに悪事から足を洗った。

He finally washed his hands of his evil deeds.

Idiomatic expression: 足を洗う (to quit a bad habit/job).

この素材は水洗いすると縮む恐れがあります。

There is a risk that this material will shrink if washed with water.

Noun compound 水洗い (water washing) + 恐れがある (risk of).

週末は温泉に行って、命の洗濯をしたい。

I want to go to a hot spring this weekend and rejuvenate my soul (wash my life).

Idiom: 命の洗濯 (recreation/relaxation).

食器洗い機を導入してから、家事が格段に楽になった。

Since introducing a dishwasher, chores have become significantly easier.

Compound noun 食器洗い機 (dishwasher).

傷口を流水で念入りに洗い流してください。

Please wash the wound thoroughly under running water.

Compound verb 洗い流す (to wash away) and adverb 念入りに (thoroughly).

そのニュースを聞いて、心が洗われるような気持ちになった。

Hearing that news, I felt as if my heart was cleansed.

Metaphorical passive usage: 心が洗われる (heart is cleansed).

手洗いうがいを徹底することが、最大の防御です。

Strictly enforcing handwashing and gargling is the greatest defense.

Noun phrase 手洗いうがい (handwashing and gargling).

いくら洗っても落ちない頑固な油汚れに悩んでいる。

I am struggling with a stubborn oil stain that won't come out no matter how much I wash it.

いくら + Te-form + も (no matter how much).

マネーロンダリング、いわゆる資金洗浄の疑いで逮捕された。

He was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, so-called 'funds washing'.

Sino-Japanese compound 資金洗浄 (money laundering).

大自然の空気を胸いっぱいに吸い込むと、日頃の鬱憤が洗い流されるようだ。

Taking a deep breath of the great outdoors feels like it washes away my daily frustrations.

Metaphorical use of 洗い流される (to be washed away).

過去の過ちを水に流して、もう一度やり直そう。

Let's wash away past mistakes (let bygones be bygones) and start over.

Related idiom 水に流す (to forgive and forget, literally 'flush in water').

この伝統的な織物は、職人が川の清流で布を洗う工程を経て完成する。

This traditional textile is completed through a process where artisans wash the cloth in the clear stream of a river.

Descriptive narrative using the verb in a cultural context.

彼の言葉には、人々の心の澱を洗い清めるような力があった。

His words had the power to wash and purify the stagnation in people's hearts.

Compound verb 洗い清める (to wash and purify).

徹底的な洗い出しを行った結果、システムの重大な欠陥が判明した。

As a result of a thorough investigation (washing out), a critical flaw in the system was discovered.

Noun form 洗い出し (bringing to light, identifying problems).

あの政治家は、汚職事件から完全に足を洗ったと公言しているが、疑わしい。

That politician publicly states he has completely washed his hands of the corruption scandal, but it's doubtful.

Advanced application of the idiom 足を洗う.

長年の風雨に洗われた石仏が、静かに佇んでいる。

The stone Buddha, washed by years of wind and rain, stands quietly.

Poetic passive usage (風雨に洗われる - washed by the elements).

古文書の修復においては、特殊な溶剤を用いて和紙を慎重に洗い上げる技術が求められる。

In the restoration of ancient documents, a technique requiring the careful washing of Japanese paper using special solvents is demanded.

Compound verb 洗い上げる (to finish washing completely) in a highly specialized context.

世間の荒波に揉まれ、すっかり垢抜けして洗練された立ち振る舞いを身につけた。

Tossed by the rough waves of society, he completely shed his rusticity and acquired a refined (washed and polished) demeanor.

Etymological connection to 洗練 (senren - refinement, literally 'washed and kneaded').

神道における禊は、単なる身体の洗浄ではなく、罪穢れを祓い清める根源的な儀式である。

Misogi in Shinto is not merely the washing of the body, but a fundamental ritual to exorcise and purify sins and impurities.

Academic discussion of the cultural roots of washing (洗浄 - senjou).

彼の文章は、無駄な装飾が一切洗い落とされており、骨太な思想だけが読者の胸に迫る。

His writing has had all unnecessary ornamentation washed away, leaving only robust ideas to strike the reader's heart.

Literary critique using 洗い落とす (to wash off/remove).

過去の判例を洗いざらい調べ上げたが、本件に該当するケースは見当たらなかった。

I investigated all past precedents exhaustively (washing everything out), but could not find a case applicable to this matter.

Adverbial phrase 洗いざらい (exhaustively, leaving nothing behind).

その企業の不祥事は、第三者委員会による徹底的な洗い出しによって白日の下に晒された。

The company's scandal was brought to light through a thorough 'washing out' (investigation) by a third-party committee.

Formal noun usage 洗い出し in corporate/legal context.

春の雨に洗われた若葉が、目に染みるような鮮やかな緑を放っている。

The young leaves, washed by the spring rain, emit a vivid green that seems to pierce the eyes.

Highly descriptive, poetic imagery using the passive form.

自己の欺瞞を洗い立てるような彼の鋭い指摘に、私は返す言葉を失った。

I was at a loss for words at his sharp pointing out, which seemed to wash and expose my own self-deception.

Compound verb 洗い立てる (to inquire into, to expose).

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

手を洗う (te o arau - wash hands)

顔を洗う (kao o arau - wash face)

皿を洗う (sara o arau - wash dishes)

車を洗う (kuruma o arau - wash car)

髪を洗う (kami o arau - wash hair)

体を洗う (karada o arau - wash body)

水で洗う (mizu de arau - wash with water)

石鹸で洗う (sekken de arau - wash with soap)

きれいに洗う (kirei ni arau - wash clean)

足を洗う (ashi o arau - wash feet / quit a bad habit)

सामान्य वाक्यांश

手を洗いましょう (te o araimashou - let's wash our hands)

お皿を洗って (osara o aratte - wash the dishes, please)

洗剤で洗う (senzai de arau - wash with detergent)

丸洗いする (maruarai suru - wash whole)

水洗いできる (mizuarai dekiru - can be washed in water)

洗い物をする (araimono o suru - do the dishes)

手洗いをお願いします (tearai o onegaishimasu - please wash your hands)

よく洗う (yoku arau - wash well)

ゴシゴシ洗う (goshigoshi arau - scrub hard)

サッと洗う (satto arau - wash quickly)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

洗います vs 磨きます (migakimasu) - Used for brushing teeth or polishing shoes. Requires friction.

洗います vs 掃除します (souji shimasu) - Used for cleaning a room or house. Does not necessarily involve water.

洗います vs 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) - Specifically used for doing the laundry.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

洗います vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

nuance

洗います implies the use of a liquid to remove dirt. If no liquid is involved, use a different verb like 払う (harau - brush off) or 拭く (fuku - wipe).

colloquialisms

In slang, 'arau' can sometimes mean to investigate thoroughly, like 'washing out' the truth.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

Using 洗います for brushing teeth (should be 磨きます).
Using 洗います for cleaning a room (should be 掃除します).
Using the particle に instead of を for the object being washed (e.g., 手に洗う is wrong, 手を洗う is correct).
Conjugating the te-form incorrectly as 洗いて instead of 洗って.
Saying 洗濯を洗います (washing the laundry) which is redundant. Just say 洗濯をします.

सुझाव

The Te-Form Rule

Remember that verbs ending in う (u), つ (tsu), and る (ru) take the small っ (tsu) in their te-form. Therefore, 洗う becomes 洗って.

Handwashing Phrase

The phrase 手洗い、うがい (tearai, ugai) means 'handwashing and gargling'. You will hear this constantly in Japan during flu season as the standard advice for staying healthy.

Shrine Etiquette

When you visit a Shinto shrine, you will see a water basin. The act of washing your hands there is a purification ritual. It's a great real-world connection to the kanji 洗.

Don't Wash the Floor

Avoid using 洗う for cleaning floors or rooms. Always use 掃除する (souji suru) for general cleaning, or 拭く (fuku) if you are wiping the floor with a damp cloth.

Water Radical

The left side of the kanji 洗 is the water radical (氵). Whenever you see this radical, the word is likely related to water, liquid, or washing. It's a great hint for guessing meanings.

Drop the 'i' in Casual Speech

When saying 'I am washing' casually, native speakers often drop the 'i' in 'aratte iru' and just say 'aratte ru'. It sounds much more natural in conversation.

Laundry Labels

Check the tags on your clothes. If you see the kanji 洗 with an X over it, it means it cannot be washed in water (水洗い不可).

Linking Actions

Use the te-form to link actions chronologically. '手を洗って、ご飯を食べます' (I wash my hands, and then eat). It makes your sentences flow better.

Wash Your Feet

If you hear someone say they are going to 'wash their feet' (足を洗う), they probably aren't talking about hygiene. They mean they are quitting a bad habit or job.

Flat Pitch

The pitch accent for 洗います is flat (heiban). Start low on 'a', go high on 'ra', and stay high for 'imasu'. Don't drop the pitch at the end.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Imagine an aura (ara) of light around you after you wash (imasu) yourself clean. Araimasu = to wash.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Chinese origin for the kanji, native Japanese origin for the spoken word (arau).

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

The water pavilion at shrines where you wash your left hand, right hand, and mouth to purify yourself before praying.

Before entering the hot spring water, you must thoroughly wash your body (体を洗う) at the shower stations. Entering the bath dirty is a major faux pas.

Japanese students clean their own schools (osouji), but they also have designated times to wash their hands and gargle (te-arai, ugai) to prevent colds.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"毎日、何回手を洗いますか？ (How many times a day do you wash your hands?)"

"お皿を洗うのは好きですか？ (Do you like washing dishes?)"

"日本では、お風呂に入る前に体を洗います。あなたの国ではどうですか？ (In Japan, we wash our bodies before entering the bath. How about in your country?)"

"休みの日に車を洗いますか？ (Do you wash your car on your days off?)"

"一番嫌いな家事は、お皿を洗うことですか？ (Is washing dishes your least favorite chore?)"

डायरी विषय

Write about your morning routine using the verb 洗います.

Describe a time you had to wash something very dirty. What did you use?

Explain the steps of washing a car in Japanese.

Write a short dialogue between a parent and a child about washing hands before dinner.

Discuss the idiom '足を洗う' and write a fictional story about someone who 'washed their feet' of a bad habit.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

No, you cannot. In Japanese, the verb for brushing teeth is 磨きます (migakimasu), which means to polish or brush. Saying 歯を洗います sounds like you are taking your teeth out and washing them under the tap.

洗います is the general verb for washing anything with water (hands, dishes, cars). 洗濯します is a specific noun-verb combination used almost exclusively for doing the laundry (washing clothes). While you can say 服を洗う (wash clothes), 洗濯します refers to the whole chore.

You need to use the te-form of the verb plus います. The te-form of 洗います is 洗って. So, 'I am washing' is 洗っています (aratte imasu).

Because it is a transitive verb (an action done to an object), you use the direct object particle を (o). For example, 手を洗います (wash hands). If you want to specify what you are washing with, use で (de), like 石鹸で (with soap).

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. Its dictionary form is 洗う (arau), ending in 'u'. This means it conjugates according to Group 1 rules, such as the te-form becoming 洗って (aratte) with a small 'tsu'.

Use the te-form followed by ください (kudasai). For example, お皿を洗ってください (Osara o aratte kudasai) means 'Please wash the dishes.'

Yes, especially at higher levels. The most famous idiom is 足を洗う (ashi o arau), which literally means 'wash feet' but figuratively means to quit a bad habit or leave a shady business.

水洗い (mizuarai) is a compound noun meaning 'washing with water'. You often see it on clothing labels to indicate whether an item can be washed in water or if it requires dry cleaning.

You use the potential form. For Group 1 verbs ending in 'u', the 'u' changes to 'e'. So 洗う becomes 洗える (araeru). In polite form, it is 洗えます (araemasu).

You use it for washing your body (体を洗う) or hair (髪を洗う) while in the shower. However, to say 'take a shower', the phrase is シャワーを浴びる (shawaa o abiru).