To wash clothes or fabrics using water and detergent to remove dirt.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to washing clothes with water and detergent.
- Used commonly for daily household chores.
- Often involves the use of a washing machine.
Overview
- 1概要:『洗濯する』は、水と洗剤を用いて衣類、タオル、シーツなどの汚れを落とす動作を指す動詞です。現代では洗濯機を使用することが一般的ですが、手洗いの場合もこの言葉が使われます。2) 使用パターン:主に「洗濯する」という形で動詞として使われます。対象を明確にする場合は「〇〇を洗濯する」という形をとります。また、名詞形である「洗濯」も非常によく使われます。3) 一般的な文脈:家庭内での家事として頻繁に言及されます。「洗濯機を回す」「洗濯物を干す」「洗濯物を取り込む」など、一連の動作の一部として語られることが多いです。4) 類語との比較:「洗う」は対象が広く、皿や野菜、体などにも使われますが、「洗濯する」は基本的に布製品に限定されます。「クリーニングに出す」は、自分ではなく専門業者に依頼する場合に使われるため、家庭内で行う「洗濯する」とは区別されます。
Examples
毎日、洗濯します。
everydayI do laundry every day.
このシャツは手で洗濯してください。
formalPlease wash this shirt by hand.
今日、洗濯するの忘れた。
informalI forgot to do the laundry today.
洗濯する頻度は家族の人数によります。
academicThe frequency of doing laundry depends on the number of family members.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
洗濯物がたまる
Laundry piles up
洗濯機を回す
Do a load of laundry
洗濯日和
Perfect weather for laundry
Often Confused With
Arau is a general term for washing anything (hands, dishes, car). Sentaku is specific to clothes and fabrics.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This verb is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is standard for household chores. Ensure you use the noun 'sentaku' for the activity itself.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'fuku o araimasu' which is grammatically correct but less specific than 'sentaku suru'. 'Sentaku suru' implies the whole process of laundry.
Tips
Use with household appliances
Combine this verb with 'sentakuki' (washing machine) to describe the process. It makes your daily routine sound very natural.
Don't confuse with washing dishes
Never use 'sentaku' for washing dishes. Use 'arau' instead to avoid confusion.
The importance of hanging laundry
In Japan, 'hosu' (hanging to dry) is considered part of the laundry process. Always mention it if you want to describe the full chore.
Word Origin
Derived from 'sen' (wash) and 'taku' (wash). It combines two kanji that both relate to the act of cleaning fabrics.
Cultural Context
Laundry is a major part of Japanese daily life. Many people hang clothes outside to dry, and it is a common topic of conversation regarding weather.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sen' (a thousand) clothes to wash. It's so much laundry that you have to do it systematically.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「洗濯機を回す」は洗濯機という機械を動かす動作に焦点を当てています。「洗濯する」は汚れを落とすという目的全体を指します。
はい、言います。洗濯機を使わなくても、布製品を洗う行為であれば「洗濯する」という言葉で問題ありません。
通常は言いません。自分で行う場合は「洗濯する」、業者に頼む場合は「クリーニングに出す」と使い分けるのが一般的です。
「洗濯が終わった」「洗濯物」のように使います。動作そのものを指す場合や、洗う対象の服を指す場合に便利です。
Test Yourself
週末はたまった服を___。
動詞の「洗濯する」の丁寧形である「洗濯します」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
To wash clothes or fabrics using water and detergent to remove dirt.
- Refers to washing clothes with water and detergent.
- Used commonly for daily household chores.
- Often involves the use of a washing machine.
Use with household appliances
Combine this verb with 'sentakuki' (washing machine) to describe the process. It makes your daily routine sound very natural.
Don't confuse with washing dishes
Never use 'sentaku' for washing dishes. Use 'arau' instead to avoid confusion.
The importance of hanging laundry
In Japan, 'hosu' (hanging to dry) is considered part of the laundry process. Always mention it if you want to describe the full chore.
Examples
4 of 4毎日、洗濯します。
I do laundry every day.
このシャツは手で洗濯してください。
Please wash this shirt by hand.
今日、洗濯するの忘れた。
I forgot to do the laundry today.
洗濯する頻度は家族の人数によります。
The frequency of doing laundry depends on the number of family members.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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".