To clean something using water or a cleaning agent.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to remove dirt with water or soap.
- Commonly applied to body parts, clothes, and dishes.
- Can be used metaphorically for clearing one's name.
Overview
- 1概要：洗うは、日本語の日常生活で最も頻繁に使われる動詞の一つです。水や液体、洗剤を用いて表面の汚れや不純物を取り除くという物理的な行為を指します。2) 使用パターン：対象物＋を＋洗う（例：手を洗う、皿を洗う）。また、自動詞の「洗われる」や、名詞形の「洗い」としても使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：手洗い、洗顔、洗濯、食器洗い、洗車など、衛生を保つためのあらゆる場面で必須の単語です。4) 類語との比較：「濯ぐ（すすぐ）」は汚れを流し落とすことに特化しており、「洗う」よりも限定的です。「洗浄する」はより硬い表現で、工業的または専門的な清掃に使われます。
Examples
手を洗う。
everydayWash hands.
食器を洗ってください。
formalPlease wash the dishes.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
手を洗う
wash hands
洗顔する
wash face
Often Confused With
To rinse. It focuses on the final step of clearing soap or dirt with water.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'arau' for general cleaning. Be careful with 'sentaku' which is specific to laundry. Always use the particle 'o' before the verb.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'arau' for cleaning a room, but 'souji suru' is preferred for rooms. 'Araimasu' is the polite form, ensure correct conjugation.
Tips
Focus on the physical action
Visualize the water removing dirt. This helps remember the basic meaning of the verb.
Do not confuse with washing machines
Remember that the machine is a 'sentakuki', not a 'arau-ki'. Use the verb for the action, not the object.
Importance of hygiene in Japan
Hand washing is a ritualized practice in Japan, especially before entering a shrine or eating.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese roots related to the flow of water. It implies the removal of impurities through liquid.
Cultural Context
Water is considered sacred in Shinto. Washing hands at a 'chozuya' is a required purification step.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'row' of dishes being washed in a row. A-RAU (A-row).
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「洗う」は汚れを落とす一般的な動作ですが、「洗濯する」は特に衣類を洗うことに限定された言葉です。
はい、「洗った」となります。丁寧語では「洗いました」と表現します。
はい、「罪を洗う」や「心を洗う」のように、汚れを清めるという意味で使われることがあります。
Test Yourself
食事の前に、しっかりと手を___。
食事の前の衛生習慣として「手を洗う」が自然です。
Score: /1
Summary
To clean something using water or a cleaning agent.
- Used to remove dirt with water or soap.
- Commonly applied to body parts, clothes, and dishes.
- Can be used metaphorically for clearing one's name.
Focus on the physical action
Visualize the water removing dirt. This helps remember the basic meaning of the verb.
Do not confuse with washing machines
Remember that the machine is a 'sentakuki', not a 'arau-ki'. Use the verb for the action, not the object.
Importance of hygiene in Japan
Hand washing is a ritualized practice in Japan, especially before entering a shrine or eating.
Examples
2 of 2手を洗う。
Wash hands.
食器を洗ってください。
Please wash the dishes.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
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".
