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A2 verb 8 min read

洗う

arau

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 洗う in 30 Seconds

Explanation 洗う in your Level:

At the A1 level, '洗う' (arau) is one of the essential action verbs you learn early on. It is primarily used to describe basic daily routines. You will mostly use it in the polite present form '洗います' (araimasu) or the 'te' form '洗って' (aratte) for simple requests. The focus at this level is on physical objects like hands (te), face (kao), and dishes (sara). You should understand that it is a transitive verb that takes the 'o' particle. For example, 'Te o araimasu' (I wash my hands). You will also learn the kanji '洗', which combines the water radical with the character for 'before'. At this stage, don't worry about complex idioms; just focus on the physical act of washing things with water.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of '洗う' to include more household chores and specific contexts. You will learn to conjugate it into the past tense '洗った' (aratta) and the negative '洗わない' (arawanai). You will also start to distinguish '洗う' from '洗濯する' (sentaku suru - to do laundry). A2 learners should be able to describe a sequence of events, such as 'I washed the vegetables and then cut them' (Yasai o aratte kara, kirimashita). You'll also encounter the potential form '洗える' (araeru - can wash), which is useful for checking if an item is machine-washable or if you have the ability to clean something. Adverbs like 'yoku' (well) or 'kirei ni' (cleanly) are often paired with 'arau' at this level.

At the B1 level, you begin to use '洗う' in more complex grammatical structures and social contexts. You might use the passive form '洗われる' (arawareru) or the causative form '洗わせる' (arawaseru - to make someone wash). You will also encounter the word in compound nouns like '洗い物' (araimono - things to be washed/dishes). B1 learners should be comfortable using 'arau' in relative clauses, such as 'The car that my father washed' (Chichi ga aratta kuruma). You will also start to see the metaphorical use of 'arau' in news or literature, such as 'investigating a background.' This level also introduces the difference between 'arau' and more specific verbs like 'susugu' (to rinse) or 'migaku' (to polish).

At the B2 level, '洗う' is used with a high degree of naturalness and nuance. You will understand its application in various registers, from casual slang to formal business Japanese. You'll be familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'ashi o arau' (to wash one's feet / to go straight) and understand the cultural context behind them. B2 learners can use 'arau' to describe industrial processes (洗浄 - senjou) or medical procedures in a professional setting. You will also be able to discuss the nuances of cleanliness in Japanese culture, such as the purification rituals at shrines. Your ability to choose between 'arau' and its many synonyms (fuku, kiyomeru, migaku) becomes much more refined and context-dependent.

At the C1 level, you have a masterly grasp of '洗う' and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can appreciate the word's use in classical literature or high-level academic texts where it might describe the 'washing away' of sins or the 'washing' of a landscape by rain. You understand the subtle connotations of the verb in different dialects or historical contexts. C1 learners can use the verb in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a speech or a formal essay, to describe the cleansing of a political system or the investigation of a complex social issue. You are also fully aware of the etymological roots and the evolution of the kanji character '洗' and its related compounds.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '洗う' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the verb and its derivatives with absolute precision in any context, whether it's a technical manual for high-precision cleaning equipment or a poetic description of a river washing over stones. You are familiar with rare and archaic uses of the word and can identify the subtle emotional weight it carries in different literary genres. At this level, '洗う' is not just a verb but a conceptual tool that you can manipulate to express complex ideas about purification, investigation, and renewal. You can also translate the word into English or other languages while capturing every layer of its Japanese meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

洗う in 30 Seconds

Primary verb for 'to wash' using water.
Used for hands, face, dishes, and cars.
Distinguish from 'sentaku' (laundry) and 'fuku' (wipe).
Commonly used in idioms like 'ashi o arau' (to quit).

The Japanese verb 洗う (arau) is a fundamental action word that every beginner and intermediate learner must master. Primarily defined as 'to wash,' it encompasses a wide range of physical activities involving the cleaning of objects with water or other liquids. Unlike English, where 'wash' can be applied to almost anything, Japanese has specific nuances and companion verbs for different types of cleaning. However, arau remains the most versatile and frequently used term for washing body parts, household items, and vehicles.

Core Usage: The most common application is for washing hands (手), the face (顔), or dishes (皿). It implies the use of water to remove dirt, grime, or unwanted substances. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particle 'o' (を).
Distinction from Laundry: While you might 'wash' clothes in English, in Japanese, the act of doing laundry is specifically called 洗濯する (sentaku suru). You would use arau for individual items like a single handkerchief or a pair of sneakers, but the general chore of washing clothes is almost always sentaku.

ご飯を食べる前に、手を洗ってください。
(Please wash your hands before eating.)

Beyond simple hygiene, arau is used in professional contexts. For instance, a chef 'washes' vegetables (野菜を洗う), and a car detailer 'washes' a vehicle (車を洗う). In a more abstract or investigative sense, the word can also mean to look into or investigate a person's background, similar to 'washing' away the surface to see what lies beneath. This is often heard in detective dramas or news reports regarding background checks.

彼は古い車を丁寧に洗った。
(He washed his old car carefully.)

Metaphorical Meaning: The phrase 'ashi o arau' (to wash one's feet) is a famous idiom meaning to quit a bad habit, leave a criminal organization, or 'go straight.' It is the Japanese equivalent of 'washing one's hands' of something, though the body part used is different.

In summary, arau is a versatile verb that covers everything from daily hygiene to investigative procedures. Understanding its distinction from sentaku suru and its use in common idioms will significantly improve your natural Japanese flow. Whether you are at a restaurant, a home, or a car wash, this verb will be a constant companion in your linguistic journey.

Using 洗う (arau) correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a Group 1 (Godan) verb and its relationship with the direct object particle を (o). Because it is a transitive verb, you are always performing the action of washing on something. The basic sentence structure follows: [Subject] は [Object] を [Verb]. For example, 'I wash the dishes' becomes Watashi wa sara o araimasu.

Conjugation Basics: As a Godan verb ending in 'u', the stem changes to 'wa' for the negative form (arawanai) and 'i' for the polite form (araimasu). The 'te' form involves a small 'tsu' (u -> tte), resulting in 洗って (aratte). This is crucial for making requests or describing a sequence of actions.

昨夜、彼は自分でシャツを洗いました。
(Last night, he washed the shirt by himself.)

When describing a habitual action, such as washing your face every morning, use the present-polite form: Maiasa, kao o araimasu. If you are asking someone to do the washing, the -te kudasai form is most appropriate. For example, a parent might say to a child, Te o aratte ne! (Wash your hands, okay?).

この野菜はよく洗ってから食べてください。
(Please eat these vegetables after washing them well.)

Combining with Adverbs: To describe how you wash, use adverbs like 丁寧に (teinei ni - carefully), きれいに (kirei ni - cleanly/thoroughly), or 急いで (isoide - hurriedly). These precede the verb to add descriptive depth.

In more advanced usage, the potential form araeru (can wash) is used to indicate feasibility. 'Can this sweater be washed?' would be Kono seta wa araemasu ka?. This is a common question in clothing stores or laundromats. Understanding these patterns allows you to navigate daily life in Japan with ease, from asking for help in the kitchen to discussing laundry care.

The verb 洗う (arau) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, echoing through homes, restaurants, and media. You will encounter it from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. In a domestic setting, it is the soundtrack of household chores. Parents constantly remind children to wash their hands after coming home from school: 'Uchi ni kaettara, sugu te o arainasai!'. This cultural emphasis on hygiene makes the word one of the first children learn.

In Restaurants: In the hospitality industry, 'araiba' (洗い場) refers to the dishwashing area. You might hear kitchen staff shouting for more clean plates or discussing the 'araimono' (washing/dishes to be washed). If you work part-time in a Japanese kitchen, arau will be the core of your vocabulary.

お皿を洗うのが私の毎日の仕事です。
(Washing dishes is my daily job.)

Public spaces also feature this word prominently. At Shinto shrines, you will find a chozuya (water pavilion) where visitors perform misogi or ritual purification. While the formal term might be kiyomeru (to purify), people colloquially describe it as 'washing hands and mouth' (te to kuchi o arau). This ritualistic use elevates the verb from a mere chore to a spiritual act.

警察は容疑者の過去を洗っている。
(The police are investigating the suspect's past.)

Car Culture: Gas stations often have signs for 洗車 (sensha), which is the kanji compound for 'washing a car.' While sensha is the noun, the action is still kuruma o arau. You'll hear this frequently on weekends when families clean their vehicles.

From the gentle splash of water in a shrine to the clatter of dishes in a ramen shop, arau is a word that defines the Japanese commitment to cleanliness and order. Paying attention to these contexts will help you understand the cultural weight behind a seemingly simple verb.

Even though 洗う (arau) seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several common traps. The most significant error is the 'Laundry Confusion.' In English, we 'wash' our clothes. If a Japanese learner says fuku o araimasu, a native speaker will understand, but it sounds slightly unnatural. For the general process of laundry, you must use 洗濯する (sentaku suru).

The 'Wash' vs. 'Clean' Trap: Another mistake is using arau when 掃除する (souji suru - to clean) is more appropriate. Araus specifically implies water and scrubbing. You don't 'wash' a room (heya o arau) unless you are literally hosing down the floor; you 'clean' it (heya o souji suru).

❌ 部屋を洗いました。
(I washed the room - Incorrect unless using a hose.)

Conjugation errors are also frequent. Because arau ends in 'u', learners sometimes forget the 'w' in the negative form. It is 洗わない (arawanai), not araanai. Similarly, the 'te' form must have the small 'tsu': aratte. Pronouncing it as arate (long 'a' sound) can lead to confusion with other verbs.

✅ 週末に靴を洗いました。
(I washed my shoes over the weekend - Correct usage for specific items.)

Washing vs. Wiping: If you are using a damp cloth to clean a table, do not use arau. The correct verb is 拭く (fuku - to wipe). Arauas requires the object to be immersed in or significantly doused with water.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—specifically the laundry/cleaning distinction and the negative conjugation—you will sound much more like a native speaker. Remember: if water is splashing and things are being scrubbed, it's probably arau. If it's a general tidy-up or involves a washing machine, look for a different word.

While 洗う (arau) is the 'go-to' word for washing, Japanese offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more precision. Choosing the right word depends on the object being cleaned and the method used. For example, washing your face (kao o arau) can also be expressed more formally as 洗顔する (sengan suru), often seen on skincare products.

洗う (arau) vs. 濯ぐ (susugu): While arau means to wash (scrubbing with soap), 濯ぐ (susugu) means to rinse. After you arau the dishes with detergent, you susugu them with clean water to remove the suds. Using susugu shows a higher level of vocabulary.
洗う (arau) vs. 磨く (migaku): 磨く (migaku) means to polish or brush. You migaku your teeth (ha o migaku) or your shoes (kutsu o migaku) to make them shine. While you could 'wash' shoes with water (arau), migaku implies a focus on the shine and finish.

洗剤でお皿を洗い、水で濯ぎます。
(Wash the dishes with detergent and rinse them with water.)

For religious or ritual cleaning, 清める (kiyomeru) is used. This means to purify. When you wash your hands at a shrine, you are physically arau but spiritually kiyomeru. In formal writing, 洗浄する (senjou suru) is used for industrial or medical cleaning, such as 'washing' a wound or cleaning machinery.

靴を磨いて、ピカピカにしました。
(I polished my shoes and made them sparkly.)

Understanding these distinctions helps you move from basic communication to nuanced expression. If you're talking about a quick rinse, use susugu. If you're talking about a deep scrub to make something shine, use migaku. But for the general act of using water to get something clean, arau remains your most reliable and essential tool.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'before' (先) part of the kanji originally suggested something moving forward or being first, implying that washing is the first step to purification.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.ɾa.ɯ/

US /ɑ.ɾɑ.u/

The pitch accent is typically 'Atamadaka' (Type 1), meaning it starts high and drops.

Rhymes With

Warau (to laugh) Harau (to pay) Narau (to learn) Kirau (to hate) Sorau (to shave - variant) Kurau (to eat/drink - casual) Utau (to sing) Kau (to buy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ra' like an English 'L' or 'R'.
Over-rounding the 'u' at the end.
Forgetting the 'w' in 'arawanai'.
Shortening the double 't' in 'aratte'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'ara' (wild).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is common but the Godan conjugation needs practice.

Writing 3/5

The kanji '洗' has 9 strokes and requires balance.

Speaking 1/5

The pronunciation is very simple for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in daily conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

水 (mizu) 手 (te) 顔 (kao) 皿 (sara) を (particle)

Learn Next

洗濯する (sentaku suru) 拭く (fuku) 磨く (migaku) 濯ぐ (susugu)

Advanced

洗浄 (senjou) 浄化 (jouka) 禊ぎ (misogi) 更生 (kousei)

Grammar to Know

Godan Verb Conjugation

洗う -> 洗わない (Negative), 洗います (Polite), 洗って (Te-form)

Transitive Verb with を

車を洗う (Wash the car)

Sequential Action (-te kara)

洗ってから食べる (Eat after washing)

Potential Form (-eru)

洗える (Can wash)

Causative Form (-aseru)

洗わせる (Make someone wash)

Examples by Level

手を洗います。

I wash my hands.

Basic present-polite form.

顔を洗ってください。

Please wash your face.

-te kudasai for requests.

りんごを洗いましたか。

Did you wash the apple?

Past-polite question form.

皿を洗う。

I wash the dishes.

Dictionary form (casual).

石鹸で洗います。

I wash with soap.

Using 'de' for the instrument/means.

お母さんは野菜を洗っています。

Mother is washing the vegetables.

Present continuous form (-te iru).

犬を洗いました。

I washed the dog.

Past tense 'aratta' in polite form.

ここで洗わないでください。

Please don't wash here.

Negative request form (-nai de kudasai).

靴をきれいに洗いました。

I washed my shoes until they were clean.

Using 'kirei ni' as an adverb.

このシャツは家で洗えますか。

Can I wash this shirt at home?

Potential form 'araeru'.

車を洗うのは大変です。

Washing the car is hard work.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

手を洗ってから、ご飯を食べます。

After washing my hands, I eat.

-te kara for sequential actions.

彼は昨日、自分で皿を洗わなかった。

He didn't wash the dishes himself yesterday.

Casual past negative form.

もっと丁寧に洗ってください。

Please wash more carefully.

Using 'teinei ni' as an adverb.

私の趣味は車を洗うことです。

My hobby is washing cars.

Verb phrase + koto desu.

冷たい水で洗わないほうがいいですよ。

It's better not to wash with cold water.

Giving advice with -nai hou ga ii.

お皿を洗っている間に、電話が鳴った。

While I was washing dishes, the phone rang.

-te iru aida ni (while).

子供に手を洗わせました。

I made the child wash their hands.

Causative form 'arawaseru'.

これは水で洗っても大丈夫な素材です。

This is a material that is okay to wash with water.

-te mo daijoubu (okay even if).

洗い物がいっぱい溜まっている。

The dishes (washing) are piling up.

Noun form 'araimono'.

その事件については、警察が過去を洗っているらしい。

Regarding that incident, it seems the police are investigating the past.

Metaphorical use for investigation.

洗えば洗うほど、きれいになります。

The more you wash it, the cleaner it gets.

Ba... hodo (the more... the more).

彼はもう悪い仲間とは足を洗った。

He has already washed his feet (quit) from the bad crowd.

Idiom 'ashi o arau'.

機械で洗われるお皿が羨ましい。

I envy the dishes that are washed by machine.

Passive form 'arawareru'.

汚れがひどいので、二回洗う必要がある。

The stain is bad, so it's necessary to wash it twice.

Hitsuyou ga aru (need to).

この洗剤は、油汚れをきれいに洗い流してくれる。

This detergent washes away oil stains nicely.

Compound verb 'arainagasu'.

顔を洗うついでに、鏡も拭いた。

While I was at it washing my face, I also wiped the mirror.

tsuide ni (while doing X, also Y).

彼女はまるで心を洗われるような音楽だと言った。

She said it was music that felt like it washed her soul.

Metaphorical passive 'kokoro o arawareru'.

部品を洗浄液で丁寧に洗ってください。

Please wash the parts carefully with cleaning fluid.

Formal/Technical context.

靴を洗おうとしたが、雨が降ってきた。

I tried to wash my shoes, but it started raining.

Volitional form + to suru.

彼は自分の罪を洗うために、ボランティアを始めた。

He started volunteering to wash away his sins.

Metaphorical/Literary use.

しっかり洗わないと、菌が残ってしまいますよ。

If you don't wash thoroughly, bacteria will remain.

Conditional 'to' with negative.

身元を洗えば、彼の正体がわかるはずだ。

If we investigate his background, we should find out his true identity.

Advanced investigative use.

その光景は、私の記憶を洗い流してしまった。

That scene washed away my memories.

Poetic/Literary usage.

川の水が岩を洗い、滑らかにしている。

The river water washes the rocks, making them smooth.

Natural process description.

彼は過去の過ちから足を洗い、新しい人生を歩んでいる。

He washed his feet of his past mistakes and is walking a new path.

Extended idiomatic usage.

この布地は特殊な加工がされており、洗うたびに風合いが増す。

This fabric has a special treatment; every time you wash it, the texture improves.

tabi ni (every time).

汚職の疑いがある議員の身辺を徹底的に洗うべきだ。

We should thoroughly investigate the surroundings of the politician suspected of corruption.

Formal political/legal context.

雨が街の埃を洗い流し、空気が澄んでいる。

The rain washed away the city's dust, and the air is clear.

Descriptive/Literary.

彼女の清らかな歌声は、聴く者の心を洗うようだ。

Her pure singing voice seems to wash the hearts of the listeners.

Simile with 'youna'.

古文書の記述を洗い直し、新事実を発見した。

I re-examined (washed again) the descriptions in the ancient documents and discovered new facts.

Compound 'arainaoshi' (re-examine).

その哲学者は、既存の道徳を洗い流すべきだと主張した。

The philosopher argued that existing morality should be washed away.

Abstract philosophical usage.

細部にわたって身元を洗ったが、何一つ不審な点はなかった。

They investigated his background to the smallest detail, but found nothing suspicious.

High-level investigative precision.

歳月が悲しみを洗い去ってくれるのを待つしかない。

I can only wait for the years to wash away the sadness.

Poetic personification of time.

この地域の歴史を洗ってみると、意外な交易の跡が見えてくる。

When you look into the history of this region, traces of unexpected trade appear.

Investigation of abstract concepts (history).

政治の世界から足を洗うのは、そう簡単なことではない。

Washing one's feet of the political world is no easy task.

Idiomatic usage in complex societal context.

激しい潮流が岸辺を洗い、地形を刻一刻と変えていく。

The fierce current washes the shore, changing the topography moment by moment.

Scientific/Literary description.

万葉集の歌には、心を洗うような自然の美しさが詠まれている。

The poems of the Man'yoshu depict natural beauty that seems to wash the soul.

Cultural/Literary analysis.

Common Collocations

手を洗う

皿を洗う

顔を洗う

車を洗う

野菜を洗う

髪を洗う

靴を洗う

身元を洗う

心を洗う

米を洗う

Common Phrases

洗い物

— Dishes or items to be washed.

洗い物が溜まっている。

洗い場

— A place for washing, like a sink area or bath area.

洗い場をきれいにしてください。

洗い流す

— To wash away or rinse off completely.

嫌な思い出を洗い流したい。

洗いざらし

— Washed and worn (often referring to cotton clothes).

洗いざらしのシャツが気持ちいい。

洗い直し

— Re-washing or re-examining.

計画を洗い直す必要がある。

丸洗い

— Washing the whole thing (e.g., a whole toy or car).

ぬいぐるみを丸洗いした。

手洗い

— Hand washing.

これは手洗いができる服です。

水洗い

— Washing with only water (no soap).

野菜を水洗いする。

洗いっこ

— Washing each other (e.g., in a bath).

子供たちが背中の洗いっこをしている。

洗い立て

— Freshly washed.

洗い立てのタオルの匂い。

Often Confused With

洗う vs 洗濯する (sentaku suru)

Use this for laundry. Use 'arau' for dishes or body parts.

洗う vs 拭く (fuku)

Use this for wiping with a cloth. 'arau' requires water.

洗う vs 磨く (migaku)

Use this for brushing teeth or polishing shoes.

Idioms & Expressions

"足を洗う"

— To quit a bad habit or leave a shady lifestyle.

彼はギャンブルから足を洗った。

Common

"心を洗う"

— To feel spiritually refreshed or purified.

その音楽を聴いて、心が洗われた。

Literary

"身元を洗う"

— To investigate someone's background thoroughly.

探偵に彼の身元を洗ってもらった。

Journalistic

"芋を洗うよう"

— Crowded like washing potatoes (tightly packed crowd).

プールは芋を洗うような混雑だった。

Common

"洗いざらい話す"

— To tell everything without hiding anything.

彼は警察に洗いざらい話した。

Informal

"耳を洗って聞く"

— To listen very carefully (humble/polite).

先生のお話を耳を洗って聞きます。

Formal

"顔を洗って出直す"

— To wash one's face and start over (after failure).

失敗したが、顔を洗って出直そう。

Common

"手を洗う"

— To sever a connection (similar to 'wash hands of').

あのグループとはもう手を洗った。

Common

"過去を洗う"

— To dig into someone's past.

週刊誌が彼の過去を洗っている。

Journalistic

"汚れを洗う"

— To clear one's name or reputation.

彼は身の潔白を洗うために戦った。

Literary

Easily Confused

洗う vs 笑う (warau)

Sounds very similar.

Warau means to laugh; Arau means to wash. The first vowel is different.

彼は笑った (He laughed) vs 彼は洗った (He washed).

洗う vs 払う (harau)

Rhymes and similar rhythm.

Harau means to pay or brush away. Arau is strictly washing.

お金を払う (Pay money) vs お皿を洗う (Wash dishes).

洗う vs 習う (narau)

Rhymes.

Narau means to learn. Arau is washing.

ピアノを習う (Learn piano) vs 手を洗う (Wash hands).

洗う vs 選ぶ (erabu)

Contains similar sounds.

Erabu means to choose. Arau is washing.

色を選ぶ (Choose a color) vs 靴を洗う (Wash shoes).

洗う vs 洗剤 (senzai)

Related noun.

Senzai is the detergent used to 'arau'.

洗剤で洗う (Wash with detergent).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を洗います。

手を洗います。

[Object] を洗ってください。

顔を洗ってください。

[Object] を洗いましたか。

皿を洗いましたか。

[Object] は [Means] で洗えます。

これは水で洗えます。

[Object] を洗っている [Noun]。

皿を洗っている母。

[Person] に [Object] を洗わせる。

子供に手を洗わせる。

[Object] を洗い流す。

汚れを洗い流す。

[Abstract] を洗う。

身元を洗う。

Word Family

Nouns

洗い (arai - washing)

洗い物 (araimono - laundry/dishes)

洗い場 (araiba - washing area)

洗浄 (senjou - cleaning)

Verbs

洗い流す (arainagasu - wash away)

洗い直す (arainaoshi - re-wash/re-examine)

洗い立てる (araitateru - to list/investigate)

Adjectives

洗いざらしの (araizarashi no - washed out/faded)

洗濯 (sentaku)

石鹸 (sekken)

洗剤 (senzai)

洗面所 (senmenjo)

洗車 (sensha)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

fuku o arau (for laundry) → fuku o sentaku suru
'Arau' is for specific scrubbing; 'sentaku' is for the laundry process.
araanai (Negative) → arawanai
Godan verbs ending in 'u' change to 'wa' in the negative form.
heya o arau (Clean room) → heya o souji suru
You 'clean' (souji) a room; you only 'wash' (arau) it if using a hose.
arate (Te-form) → aratte
Don't forget the double 't' (small tsu) in the te-form.
ha o arau (Wash teeth) → ha o migaku
Teeth are 'brushed/polished' (migaku), not 'washed' (arau).

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use 'o' (を) for the thing you are washing. Use 'de' (で) for what you are washing with, like soap or water.

Laundry vs. Wash

Remember: Clothes = Sentaku suru. Hands/Dishes/Face = Arau.

Shrine Etiquette

When at a shrine, you 'arau' your hands to show respect and purity.

The 'W' Sound

In 'arawanai', make sure the 'wa' is clear to distinguish it from other verbs.

Car Washing

You can say 'kuruma o arau' or use the noun 'sensha' (洗車).

Kanji Radical

The left part of '洗' is the water radical, which tells you the word is related to liquid.

Feet vs. Hands

In English we wash our hands of things, but in Japanese, we wash our feet (ashi o arau).

Context Clues

If you hear 'sara' (dishes), 'arau' is almost certainly coming next.

Politeness

Use 'araimasu' in most social situations to be safe and polite.

Ramen Rule

Ramen -> Arau hands. A simple way to link the sound to the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are at a **RA**men shop and you need to **A**-**RA**-**U** (wash) your hands before eating the noodles.

Visual Association

Visualize the water radical (氵) splashing over a dish to make it clean.

Word Web

Water Soap Hands Face Dishes Clean Purify Investigate

Challenge

Try to use 'arau' in three different sentences today: one for your hands, one for an object, and one for a request.

Word Origin

From the Old Japanese verb 'arau'. The kanji '洗' consists of the 'water' radical (氵) and 'before' (先).

Original meaning: To clean with water, specifically to clear away impurities.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'miimoto o arau' (investigating background) as it can imply suspicion or lack of trust.

English speakers often over-use 'wash' for clothes, whereas Japanese speakers strictly use 'sentaku'.

The idiom 'ashi o arau' is common in Yakuza films. Miyazaki films often show characters washing food or themselves in nature. Japanese commercials for 'sengan' (face wash) are very popular.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Kitchen

皿を洗う
野菜を洗う
洗い物をする
シンクを洗う

Bathroom

顔を洗う
髪を洗う
体を洗う
手を洗う

Outdoor

車を洗う
靴を洗う
自転車を洗う
窓を洗う

Shrine

手を清める
口を洗う
柄杓で洗う
お参りの前に洗う

Investigation

身元を洗う
過去を洗う
裏を洗う
徹底的に洗う

Conversation Starters

"皿洗いを手伝いましょうか？ (Shall I help you wash the dishes?)"

"このシャツ、洗濯機で洗えますか？ (Can I wash this shirt in the washing machine?)"

"どこで手を洗えますか？ (Where can I wash my hands?)"

"週末は車を洗う予定ですか？ (Are you planning to wash your car this weekend?)"

"この野菜はもう洗いましたか？ (Did you wash these vegetables already?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何を洗いましたか？ (What did you wash today?)

皿洗いは好きですか、嫌いですか？なぜですか？ (Do you like or dislike washing dishes? Why?)

心が洗われるような景色を見たことがありますか？ (Have you ever seen a view that washed your soul?)

最近、何か新しいことを始めるために「足を洗った」ことはありますか？ (Have you recently 'washed your feet' of something to start something new?)

家の中で一番洗うのが大変な場所はどこですか？ (Where is the hardest place to wash in your house?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes for specific items (like washing a single shirt by hand), but for the general chore of doing laundry, you should use 'sentaku suru'.

The 'te' form is 'aratte' (洗って). It uses a small 'tsu' because it is a Godan verb ending in 'u'.

It is transitive. It always takes a direct object, usually marked by the particle 'o' (を).

You can say 'kami o arau' (髪を洗う). Alternatively, people use 'shampu- suru' (シャンプーする).

It is an idiom meaning to quit a bad habit or leave a criminal lifestyle, similar to 'going straight'.

The negative form is 'arawanai' (洗わない). The 'u' changes to 'wa'.

Yes, in a metaphorical sense, like 'miimoto o arau' (investigating someone's background).

'Arau' means to wash/scrub, while 'susugu' means to rinse off soap or dirt with water.

It is 'shokki-araiki' (食器洗い機), literally 'dish washing machine'.

It is an N4/A2 level kanji. It has 9 strokes and is very common, so it's worth memorizing early.