洗濯します
This is how you say 'to do laundry' or 'to wash clothes' in Japanese.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is a Japanese word. It means 'to do laundry' or 'to wash clothes'. Imagine you have dirty socks and shirts. You need to wash them, right? That action is called 洗濯します. It's a verb, like 'eat' or 'sleep'. You use it when you talk about cleaning your clothes. For example, 'I will do the laundry today.' In Japanese, you can say '今日、洗濯します' (Kyō, sentaku shimasu). It's a very useful word for everyday life!
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is a polite Japanese verb that means 'to do laundry' or 'to wash clothes'. It's used when you are talking about the action of cleaning your garments. For instance, if you have a pile of dirty clothes, you would use this verb to describe the process of washing them. You can say, 'I am going to do the laundry now,' which translates to '今から洗濯します' (Ima kara sentaku shimasu). It's a fundamental verb for daily routines and household chores.
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is the polite form of the Japanese verb 'to do laundry'. It refers to the entire process of washing clothes, from gathering them to the actual cleaning. You'll use this verb frequently when discussing household chores or personal routines. For example, you might say, 'I need to do the laundry this weekend,' which would be '今週末に洗濯します' (Konshūmatsu ni sentaku shimasu). Understanding common collocations like 洗濯物 (sentakumono - laundry) and 洗濯機 (sentakuki - washing machine) will further enhance your usage of this essential verb.
In Japanese, 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is the standard polite verb for 'to do laundry'. It encompasses the act of washing clothes and is commonly used in everyday conversation. The nuance lies in its politeness level; the plain form is 洗濯する (sentaku suru). You might use 洗濯します when speaking to someone you don't know well, an elder, or in a slightly more formal setting. Consider the context: 'Could you please do the laundry?' translates to '洗濯していただけますか？' (Sentaku shite itadakemasu ka?). This verb is central to discussions about domestic tasks and personal hygiene.
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) represents the polite conjugation of the verb 'to wash clothes' or 'to do laundry' in Japanese. Its usage is prevalent in daily life, reflecting a culture that often values cleanliness and order. Beyond the literal act, the phrase can subtly imply responsibility for maintaining one's belongings. For instance, in a discussion about household duties, one might state, 'I always do the laundry on Sundays,' using '日曜日にはいつも洗濯します' (Nichiyōbi ni wa itsumo sentaku shimasu). Understanding its plain form, 洗濯する, and its role in compound verbs or specific grammatical structures is key for advanced learners.
The Japanese verb 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu), a polite form derived from the noun 洗濯 (sentaku) and the verb する (suru), denotes the act of laundering. Its etymological roots trace back to Chinese characters, signifying a long-standing cultural practice. While primarily literal, the act of 洗濯 can carry connotations of purification or renewal in certain literary or philosophical contexts. Advanced usage might involve its inclusion in more complex sentence structures or its contrast with related terms like 'クリーニング (kuriiningu - dry cleaning)' to highlight specific methods. For example, 'Apart from dry cleaning, I prefer to do the laundry myself,' could be rendered as 'クリーニング以外は、自分で洗濯します' (Kuriiningu igai wa, jibun de sentaku shimasu), emphasizing personal involvement and care.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) means 'to do laundry'.
- It's the polite form of the verb.
- Key related words: 洗濯物 (laundry), 洗濯機 (washing machine).
- Essential for daily life conversations in Japanese.
Hey there! Let's dive into 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu). This is your go-to phrase in Japanese for talking about doing laundry. Think of it as the polite way to say you're going to wash your clothes, whether that's in a washing machine at home or at a public laundromat. It covers the whole process, from gathering the dirty clothes to getting them clean and ready to wear again.
The core of this phrase is the noun 洗濯 (sentaku), which means 'washing' or 'laundry'. When you add the verb します (shimasu), which is the polite form of 'to do', you get the complete action of 'doing laundry'. It's a super common and essential verb for daily life in Japan, just like 'to eat' or 'to sleep'.
So, next time you're facing a pile of dirty socks and shirts, you can confidently say you're going to 洗濯します! It's a friendly and practical expression that will make your Japanese sound natural and fluent. Keep practicing, and soon it'll be second nature!
The word 洗濯 (sentaku) itself has a long history, originating from Chinese characters. The character 洗 (sen) means 'to wash', and 濯 (taku) also means 'to wash' or 'to rinse'. Together, they form a compound word that specifically refers to the washing of clothes or other items.
Historically, laundry was a very labor-intensive task, often done by hand using water and soap, or sometimes natural cleaning agents like ash. The evolution of washing machines has certainly changed how we perform 洗濯, but the term remains the same. The addition of します (shimasu), the polite form of the verb 'to do' (from する - suru), makes it a complete verb phrase used in everyday polite conversation.
Interestingly, while the characters are Chinese, their usage and pronunciation in Japanese have evolved over centuries. The concept of 'washing' is universal, but the specific term 洗濯 is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of cleanliness and care for one's belongings. It's a testament to how language adapts to reflect societal changes and technological advancements.
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is primarily used in everyday situations when talking about the act of washing clothes. You'll hear it frequently in casual conversations, family settings, and when discussing household chores. It's the standard polite way to refer to this activity.
Common collocations, or word pairings, include: 洗濯物 (sentakumono), which means 'laundry' or 'things to be washed'. You might say, '洗濯物がたくさんあります' (Sentakumono ga takusan arimasu - There is a lot of laundry). Another useful phrase is 洗濯機 (sentakuki), meaning 'washing machine'. You could ask, '洗濯機はどこにありますか？' (Sentakuki wa doko ni arimasu ka? - Where is the washing machine?).
In terms of formality, 洗濯します is considered standard polite Japanese (丁寧語 - teineigo). If you were speaking very casually with close friends or family, you might use the plain form, 洗濯する (sentaku suru). For extremely formal or written contexts, you might encounter more complex phrasing, but 洗濯します is widely applicable and understood. Think of it as your reliable, all-purpose phrase for laundry talk!
While 洗濯します itself is a straightforward verb, the concept of 'washing' or 'laundry' can appear in some interesting idiomatic expressions in Japanese, though not always directly using this specific verb form. Here are a few related ideas:
- 泥を洗う (doro o arau): Literally 'to wash mud'. This idiom means to cleanse oneself of sin, guilt, or disgrace. It implies a deep, moral purification. Example: 彼は過去の過ちを償うために、ボランティア活動で泥を洗おうとしている。(Kare wa kako no ayamachi o tsugunau tame ni, borantia katsudō de doro o araō to shite iru. - He is trying to wash away his past mistakes through volunteer activities.)
- 手を洗う (te o arau): Literally 'to wash one's hands'. This can mean to literally wash your hands, but idiomatically, it can mean to wash one's hands of a matter, meaning to disclaim responsibility or involvement. Example: そのプロジェクトは失敗したので、私は手を洗うことにした。(Sono purojekuto wa shippai shita node, watashi wa te o arau koto ni shita. - The project failed, so I decided to wash my hands of it.)
- 洗いざらし (arai zarashi): This refers to something (like clothes) that has been washed and dried, often implying a slightly rough or unironed state. It can also metaphorically mean something that is plain or unadorned. Example: 彼は洗いざらしのシャツを着ていた。(Kare wa arai zarashi no shatsu o kite ita. - He was wearing a freshly washed, unironed shirt.)
- 洗濯板 (sentakuban): This is a washboard, a traditional tool used for scrubbing clothes by hand. While not an idiom, it evokes a historical image of laundry.
These expressions show how the idea of 'washing' can extend beyond just cleaning clothes to deeper concepts of purification, disassociation, and even the state of things.
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu). As a verb, it follows standard Japanese conjugation patterns. The base form is 洗濯する (sentaku suru), which is a Group 2 (ichidan) verb, though it's often treated as a special case because it's derived from a noun + する. The polite present/future tense is 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu), as we've been discussing.
Other common forms include: the past tense 洗濯しました (sentaku shimashita), the negative 洗濯しません (sentaku shimasen), and the past negative 洗濯しませんでした (sentaku shimasen deshita). You can also use it in its '-te' form, 洗濯して (sentaku shite), to connect clauses or make requests like 'Please do the laundry': 洗濯してください (sentaku shite kudasai).
Pronunciation-wise, 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is pronounced roughly as 'sen-tah-koo shee-mahss'.
- UK IPA: /sɛnˈtak.u ʃi.masu/
- US IPA: /sɛnˈtɑː.ku ʃi.mɑːs.u/
There are no specific plural forms for the verb itself. The word 洗濯 (sentaku) is a noun and doesn't typically take a plural marker when referring to the act of washing. Rhyming words are not a common concept in Japanese grammar in the same way they are in English, but words ending in '-masu' share a similar polite verb ending.
Fun Fact
The character '濯' is less common on its own in modern Japanese and is primarily used in the compound word '洗濯'.
Pronunciation Guide
sen-TA-koo shee-mahss. The 'u' at the end of 'sentaku' is often devoiced or very light.
sen-TAH-koo shee-MAHSS. Similar to UK, with the final 'u' often very soft or omitted in casual speech.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'u' in 'sentaku' too strongly.
- Making the 'shi' sound too harsh.
- Adding unnecessary stress to the final 'masu'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read once the kanji are known.
Straightforward conjugation.
Common phrase, easy to pronounce.
Frequently heard in daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + を + Verb
服を洗濯します (Fuku o sentaku shimasu)
Verb (te-form) + ください
洗濯してください (Sentaku shite kudasai)
Noun + が + 終わる
洗濯が終わる (Sentaku ga owaru)
Noun + で + Verb
洗濯機で洗います (Sentakuki de araimasu)
Examples by Level
これは洗濯します。
This laundry do.
This is a simple statement.
私、洗濯します。
I, laundry do.
Subject is often omitted if clear.
服を洗濯します。
Clothes object laundry do.
'を (o)' marks the direct object.
明日、洗濯します。
Tomorrow, laundry do.
Time expressions often come early in the sentence.
母は洗濯します。
Mother topic laundry do.
'は (wa)' marks the topic.
洗濯しますか？
Laundry do question?
Adding 'か (ka)' at the end makes it a question.
はい、洗濯します。
Yes, laundry do.
Simple affirmative answer.
いいえ、しません。
No, not do.
Short negative answer, omitting 'laundry'.
今日、洗濯物を洗濯します。
Today, laundry (things) object laundry do.
Using both 'sentakumono' and 'sentaku shimasu' for clarity.
洗濯機で服を洗濯します。
Washing machine particle clothes object laundry do.
'で (de)' indicates the tool or location of the action.
週末に洗濯するのが好きです。
Weekend particle laundry do gerund like.
Using the '-no' form to nominalize the verb phrase.
洗濯が終わったら、干してください。
Laundry finish particle, dry please.
Connecting clauses with the '-tara' conditional form.
このシャツは手で洗濯します。
This shirt topic hand particle laundry do.
Specifying the method of washing.
洗濯する時間がありません。
Laundry do time not exist.
Using the dictionary form 'sentaku suru' before 'jikan ga arimasen'.
洗濯が終わったら、連絡します。
Laundry finish particle, contact do.
Using '-tara' to indicate a sequence of actions.
洗濯は私の担当です。
Laundry topic my responsibility is.
'担当 (tantō)' means responsibility or charge.
週末はたいてい家で洗濯します。
Weekend topic usually home particle laundry do.
'たいてい (taitei)' means usually or mostly.
洗濯が終わったら、アイロンをかけます。
Laundry finish particle, iron object apply.
Using '-tara' to link sequential actions.
この洗剤は色落ちしにくいので、安心して洗濯できます。
This detergent color-fade difficult so, peace of mind particle laundry can do.
'安心して (anshin shite)' means with peace of mind.
洗濯物を部屋干しすると、乾きにくいことがあります。
Laundry object indoor-drying do if, dry difficult happen-to exist.
'部屋干し (heya-boshi)' refers to drying laundry indoors.
最近はコインランドリーで洗濯することが多いです。
Recently topic coin laundry particle laundry do-ing often is.
'～することが多い (suru koto ga ooi)' means 'often do something'.
洗濯する前に、ポケットを確認してください。
Laundry do before, pocket object confirm please.
Using the '-mae ni' structure for 'before doing something'.
洗濯は面倒ですが、きれいになると気持ちがいいです。
Laundry troublesome but, clean become if feel good is.
'面倒 (mendō)' means troublesome or bothersome.
洗濯表示を確認してから、洗い方を選びましょう。
Laundry symbols check after, washing method choose let's.
'～てから (te kara)' means 'after doing something'.
一人暮らしを始めてから、自分で洗濯する習慣がつきました。
Living alone start after, by oneself laundry do habit attached.
'～習慣がつく (shūkan ga tsuku)' means to develop a habit.
洗濯表示を無視して高温で洗濯したら、縮んでしまいました。
Laundry symbols ignore particle high-temperature particle laundry do-if, shrink happen-to.
'～てしまう (te shimau)' indicates an unintended or completed action.
最近の洗濯機は機能が豊富で、様々な素材に対応できる。
Recent washing machines topic functions abundant are, various materials correspond-to can do.
'～に対応できる (taiō dekiru)' means to be compatible with or support.
彼は洗濯物を溜め込むタイプなので、週末はいつも大変そうだ。
He laundry object accumulate type so, weekend topic always大変そうだ.
'溜め込む (tamekomu)' means to hoard or accumulate.
洗濯の効率を上げるために、洗濯物を色物と白物に分けている。
Laundry efficiency raise purpose, laundry object colored-items and white-items separate-ing.
'～ために (tame ni)' means 'for the purpose of'.
この生地はデリケートなので、手洗いでの洗濯をお勧めします。
This fabric topic delicate so, hand-wash particle laundry recommend do.
'デリケート (derikēto)' is a loanword for delicate.
洗濯が終わった後の乾燥時間を短縮したい。
Laundry finished after drying time shorten want to.
'乾燥時間 (kansō jikan)' means drying time.
彼は洗濯係を押し付けられたようで、不満そうな顔をしていた。
He laundry duty pushed-onto seemed, dissatisfied-looking face was doing.
'押し付ける (oshitsukeru)' means to force upon someone.
共働き世帯が増えるにつれて、洗濯にかかる時間や労力をどう効率化するかが課題となっている。
Dual-income households increase as, laundry take time and effort how efficiency-ize is issue becoming.
'～につれて (ni tsurete)' means 'as' or 'in proportion to'.
洗濯表示の国際規格化が進み、海外製品の洗濯にも以前ほどの戸惑いがなくなった。
Laundry symbols international standardization progress, overseas products laundry even, before much confusion disappeared.
'規格化 (kikakuka)' means standardization.
彼の部屋は常に整然としており、洗濯物さえも几帳面に畳まれていた。
His room topic always orderly is, laundry even meticulously folded was.
'几帳面 (kichōmen)' describes someone meticulous and orderly.
洗濯機から異音がするため、専門業者に点検を依頼することにした。
Washing machine from strange noise because, specialist company to inspection request do decided.
'異音 (ion)' means an unusual or strange sound.
洗濯の合間に、彼は最新のテクノロジーに関する論文を読みふけっていた。
Laundry interval during, he latest technology regarding thesis read engrossed was.
'読みふける (yomifukeru)' means to be absorbed in reading.
洗濯物を干すスペースが限られているため、乾燥機付きの洗濯機への買い替えを検討している。
Laundry object dry space limited because, dryer-attached washing machine to replacement consider doing.
'買い替え (kaikae)' means to replace an old item with a new one.
洗濯のプロセスを自動化することで、家事負担の軽減に大きく寄与するだろう。
Laundry process automation by, housework burden reduction greatly contribute will likely.
'家事負担 (kajifutan)' means the burden of housework.
彼女は、洗濯物をただ干すだけでなく、素材に合わせて丁寧に畳むことにもこだわりがある。
She laundry object just dry but not, material according to carefully fold even emphasis exist.
'こだわりがある (kodawari ga aru)' means to have a strong preference or insistence on something.
近代化の過程で、洗濯は家事労働の中でも特に機械化が進んだ分野の一つとなった。
Modernization process in, laundry domestic work among especially mechanization progressed field one became.
'機械化 (kikaika)' means mechanization.
洗濯表示の解読は、異文化間のコミュニケーションにおける微妙な障壁となり得る。
Laundry symbols deciphering, cross-cultural communication among subtle barrier become can.
'微妙な障壁 (bimyō na shōheki)' means a subtle barrier.
彼は、洗濯物を干す際の太陽光の当たり具合まで計算に入れ、最適な配置を模索していた。
Laundry object dry when sunlight exposure degree even calculation into, optimal placement search was.
'当たり具合 (atariguai)' refers to the degree or manner of exposure.
洗濯という日常行為に、彼はある種の儀式性を見出そうとしていたのかもしれない。
Washing called everyday act in, he certain kind ritualistic find try was perhaps.
'儀式性 (gishikisei)' means ritualistic nature.
洗濯機メーカー各社は、節水や省エネ性能を競って、技術革新にしのぎを削っている。
Washing machine manufacturers each company, water-saving and energy-saving performance compete, technological innovation fiercely competing.
'しのぎを削る (shinogi o kezuru)' means to compete fiercely.
洗濯物を畳む行為は、単なる整理整頓を超え、ある種の精神修養にも通じる。
Laundry folding act, mere tidying beyond, certain kind mental discipline also connects.
'精神修養 (seishin shūyō)' means spiritual or mental discipline.
彼は、洗濯物の素材や色に応じて洗剤を使い分けることに、並々ならぬこだわりを持っていた。
Laundry material and color according to detergent use differentiate emphasis unusual possess was.
'並々ならぬ (naminamiranu)' means extraordinary or unusual.
洗濯という反復作業の中に、彼は日々の生活の確かな手触りを感じ取っていた。
Washing repetitive task within, he daily life solid tactile feeling perceive was.
'手触り (tezawari)' means tactile sensation or feel.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"泥を洗う (doro o arau)"
To cleanse oneself of sin, guilt, or disgrace; to atone.
長年の悪行の末、彼はついに泥を洗う決心をした。(Naganen no akugyō no sue, kare wa tsuini doro o arau kesshin o shita. - After years of wrongdoing, he finally decided to cleanse himself.)
literary/formal"手を洗う (te o arau)"
To wash one's hands of a matter; to disclaim responsibility.
その件はもう私には関係ないので、手を洗わせてもらう。(Sono ken wa mō watashi ni wa kankei nai node, te o arawasetemorau. - That matter doesn't concern me anymore, so I'm washing my hands of it.)
neutral/formal"洗いざらし (arai zarashi)"
Freshly washed and dried, often implying a slightly rough or unironed state; plain, unadorned.
彼は洗いざらしのシャツにジーンズというラフな格好だった。(Kare wa arai zarashi no shatsu ni jīnzu to iu rafu na kakkō datta. - He was casually dressed in a freshly washed shirt and jeans.)
neutral"洗濯板 (sentakuban)"
A washboard; a traditional tool for scrubbing clothes.
昔は洗濯板を使ってゴシゴシと服を洗っていたものだ。(Mukashi wa sentakuban o tsukatte goshigoshi to fuku o aratte ita mono da. - In the past, we used washboards to scrub clothes vigorously.)
historical/neutral"裏も表もない (ura mo omote mo nai)"
Having no reverse or front; straightforward, honest, transparent. (Related to fabric/washing).
彼女は裏も表もない人なので、何を考えているかすぐにわかる。(Kanojo wa ura mo omote mo nai hito na node, nani o kangaete iru ka sugu ni wakaru. - She's a very straightforward person, so you can easily tell what she's thinking.)
neutral"白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu)"
To return to a blank slate; to start over. (Metaphorically like washing something clean).
計画はすべて白紙に戻して、一からやり直すしかない。(Keikaku wa subete hakushi ni modoshite, ichi kara yarinaosu shika nai. - We have no choice but to scrap all the plans and start over from scratch.)
neutral/formalEasily Confused
Both mean 'to wash'.
洗う is general washing (hands, dishes, body). 洗濯します is specific to laundry (clothes).
手を洗う (Te o arau - wash hands) vs. 服を洗濯します (Fuku o sentaku shimasu - wash clothes).
Sounds similar to 洗濯 (sentaku).
洗濯 (sentaku) is the action of washing/laundry. 洗剤 (senzai) is the substance used for washing (detergent).
洗濯します (I do laundry) vs. 洗剤を使います (I use detergent).
It's the step that follows washing clothes.
乾燥する means 'to dry'. 洗濯します means 'to wash'.
洗濯します (wash) → 乾燥します (dry).
It's the opposite state of clothes before washing.
汚す means 'to make dirty'. 洗濯します means 'to wash (make clean)'.
服を汚す (Make clothes dirty) vs. 服を洗濯する (Wash clothes).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 洗濯します。
私は毎日、シャツを洗濯します。(Watashi wa mainichi, shatsu o sentaku shimasu. - I wash shirts every day.)
場所 + で + 洗濯します。
週末は家で洗濯します。(Shūmatsu wa ie de sentaku shimasu. - I do laundry at home on weekends.)
洗濯 + して + ください。
すみません、洗濯してください。(Sumimasen, sentaku shite kudasai. - Excuse me, please do the laundry.)
Noun + が + 終わったら、洗濯します。
仕事が終わったら、洗濯します。(Shigoto ga owattara, sentaku shimasu. - When work is finished, I will do the laundry.)
Noun + の + ために + 洗濯します。
週末のために、洗濯をします。(Shūmatsu no tame ni, sentaku o shimasu. - I do laundry for the weekend.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Arau' is a general verb for washing (hands, dishes, etc.). While technically clothes are 'washed', 'sentaku shimasu' is the specific and standard term for doing laundry.
When speaking to strangers, elders, or in formal settings, the polite '-masu' form is required. Using the plain form can sound rude.
These words sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings. One is the action, the other is the cleaning agent.
While object markers are sometimes omitted in casual speech, it's generally better to include 'o' (を) when directly stating what is being laundered for clarity, especially for learners.
'Sentaku' is a noun meaning 'laundry' or 'washing'. It needs a verb like 'shimasu' (to do) or 'suru' (to do) to function as a verb phrase.
Tips
Sound Association
Break down 'sentaku' into 'sen' (like 'send') and 'taku' (like 'tack'). Imagine sending a tack into a pile of laundry - it's a funny image to help you remember!
The Importance of Cleanliness
In Japan, maintaining cleanliness is highly valued. Doing laundry regularly is part of this cultural emphasis on neatness and order.
Noun + する Verbs
Many Japanese verbs are formed by taking a noun (like 洗濯) and adding する (suru) or します (shimasu). Practice recognizing these patterns!
Soften the 'U'
In 'sentaku', the final 'u' sound is often very light or almost silent in natural speech. Practice saying 'sen-TA-k' shee-mahss.
Don't Mix Up 'Sentaku' and 'Senzai'
Remember: 洗濯 (sentaku) is the action (laundry), and 洗剤 (senzai) is the product (detergent). They sound similar but mean different things!
Historical Laundry
Before modern washing machines, laundry was incredibly time-consuming, often involving scrubbing on washboards (洗濯板 - sentakuban) and rinsing in rivers.
Label Your World
Label your washing machine and laundry basket with the Japanese words (洗濯機, 洗濯かご). This constant visual reminder helps solidify the vocabulary.
Beyond Clothes
While primarily for clothes, 洗濯 can broadly refer to washing other items too, though specific terms might be preferred (e.g., 洗車 sensha for cars).
Connecting Actions
Use the te-form (洗濯して - sentaku shite) to connect laundry with the next action, like '洗濯して、干してください' (Sentaku shite, hoshite kudasai - Please wash and hang the laundry).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'SENT'ence 'AKU' (ache) - my back ACHES from carrying the SENT of dirty laundry!
Visual Association
Imagine a large pile of clothes ('SENT') making you 'AKU' (ache) as you carry them to the washing machine.
Word Web
Challenge
Say '洗濯します' out loud five times while pretending to load a washing machine.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The characters '洗' (wash) and '濯' (wash/rinse) combine to mean 'washing'.
Cultural Context
There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with the act of doing laundry itself, though the cleanliness of one's home and belongings is generally valued.
In English-speaking cultures, 'doing the laundry' is a common household chore, often associated with specific days of the week. The process involves washing, drying, and sometimes ironing.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home / Daily Chores
- 今日、洗濯します。(Kyō, sentaku shimasu. - I'll do laundry today.)
- 洗濯物はどこにありますか？(Sentakumono wa doko ni arimasu ka? - Where is the laundry?)
- 洗濯機を使ってもいいですか？(Sentakuki o tsukatte mo ii desu ka? - May I use the washing machine?)
At a Laundromat
- 洗濯機はいくらですか？(Sentakuki wa ikura desu ka? - How much is the washing machine?)
- 両替はできますか？(Ryōgae wa dekimasu ka? - Can I exchange money?)
- 洗剤は売っていますか？(Senzai wa utte imasu ka? - Do you sell detergent?)
Discussing Clothing Care
- 洗濯表示を見てください。(Sentaku hyōji o mite kudasai. - Please look at the laundry symbols.)
- これは手洗いしてください。(Kore wa tearai shite kudasai. - Please hand wash this.)
- 乾燥機は使わないでください。(Kansōki wa tsukawanaide kudasai. - Please do not use the dryer.)
Asking for Help
- 洗濯を手伝ってもらえますか？(Sentaku o tetsudatte moraemasu ka? - Can you help me with the laundry?)
- 洗濯が終わったら教えてください。(Sentaku ga owattara oshiete kudasai. - Please let me know when the laundry is done.)
- 洗濯をお願いします。(Sentaku o onegaishimasu. - Please do the laundry.)
Conversation Starters
"今日の天気だと、洗濯物はすぐ乾きそうですね！(Kyō no tenki da to, sentakumono wa sugu kawakisō desu ne! - With today's weather, it looks like the laundry will dry quickly!)"
"週末は何をしましたか？私は溜まっていた洗濯をしました。(Shūmatsu wa nani o shimashita ka? Watashi wa tamatte ita sentaku o shimashita. - What did you do over the weekend? I did the laundry that had piled up.)"
"この服、洗濯機で洗っても大丈夫かな？(Kono fuku, sentakuki de aratte mo daijōbu kana? - I wonder if it's okay to wash this piece of clothing in the washing machine?)"
"最近、新しい洗濯機を買ったんですよ。とても便利です。(Saikin, atarashii sentakuki o katta n desu yo. Totemo benri desu. - I recently bought a new washing machine. It's very convenient.)"
"洗濯が終わったら、一緒にコーヒーでも飲みませんか？(Sentaku ga owattara, issho ni kōhī demo nomimasen ka? - After you finish the laundry, would you like to have some coffee together?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe your typical laundry routine. What steps do you take?
What is your least favorite part about doing laundry? Why?
Imagine you have a magic washing machine. What special features would it have?
Write about a time you forgot to do an important piece of laundry. What happened?
How important is clean clothing to you? Does it affect your mood or confidence?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile both mean 'to wash', 洗濯します is specifically used for doing laundry (washing clothes), whereas 洗う is a more general term for washing anything (hands, dishes, body, etc.).
No, you should use 洗う (arau) for washing dishes. 洗濯します is exclusively for laundry.
The plain or casual form is 洗濯する (sentaku suru).
A common term is 洗濯かご (sentaku kago) or 洗濯物入れ (sentakumono ire).
You would typically say クリーニング (kuriiningu) or クリーニングに出す (kuriiningu ni dasu - to send out for dry cleaning).
No, for washing cars, you would use 洗車します (sensha shimasu).
洗濯物 (sentakumono) refers to the laundry itself – the clothes or items that need to be washed or have been washed.
You can say, '洗濯していただけますか？' (Sentaku shite itadakemasu ka?) or more simply, '洗濯をお願いします' (Sentaku o onegaishimasu).
Test Yourself
私は毎日、服を ____。
The sentence is about clothes and daily actions, so 'wash clothes' (洗濯します) is the correct verb.
What does 洗濯機 (sentakuki) mean?
洗濯機 (sentakuki) is a compound word meaning 'washing machine'.
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is the informal way to say 'to do laundry'.
洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is the polite form. The informal/plain form is 洗濯する (sentaku suru).
Word
Meaning
These terms are all related to the process of doing laundry.
The correct order forms the sentence: 洗濯物 (laundry) 乾いたら (when it's dry) 取り込んで (bring it in) ください (please).
このセーターは ____ で洗濯してください。
The sentence asks for the method of washing. '手洗い (tearai)' means hand wash, which is appropriate for delicate items.
Which phrase best describes the nuance of 洗濯する習慣がつく (sentaku suru shūkan ga tsuku)?
'習慣がつく (shūkan ga tsuku)' means to develop a habit.
洗濯表示 ____ 確認してから、洗い方を選びましょう。
'を (o)' is the direct object marker for the noun '洗濯表示 (laundry symbols)'.
Translate: 'He meticulously sorts the laundry by color and fabric type.'
This option accurately translates the meaning, using '几帳面に (kichōmen ni)' for meticulously.
洗濯という ____ 作業の中に、彼は日々の生活の確かな手触りを感じ取っていた。
'反復 (hanpuku)' means repetitive, fitting the context of laundry as a recurring task.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) is key to discussing everyday chores and routines in Japanese.
- 洗濯します (sentaku shimasu) means 'to do laundry'.
- It's the polite form of the verb.
- Key related words: 洗濯物 (laundry), 洗濯機 (washing machine).
- Essential for daily life conversations in Japanese.
Sound Association
Break down 'sentaku' into 'sen' (like 'send') and 'taku' (like 'tack'). Imagine sending a tack into a pile of laundry - it's a funny image to help you remember!
Context is Key
Remember that 洗濯します is polite. Use 洗濯する with close friends and family. For dry cleaning, use クリーニング.
The Importance of Cleanliness
In Japan, maintaining cleanliness is highly valued. Doing laundry regularly is part of this cultural emphasis on neatness and order.
Noun + する Verbs
Many Japanese verbs are formed by taking a noun (like 洗濯) and adding する (suru) or します (shimasu). Practice recognizing these patterns!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
