A2 verb Neutral #3,500 most common 1 min read

顔を洗う

kao o arau /ka.o o a.ɾa.u/
Practice it

It is a fundamental daily action representing cleanliness and starting the day.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To wash one's face with water.
  • A common daily hygiene habit.
  • Used to describe feeling refreshed.

概要

「顔を洗う」は文字通り、顔に付着した皮脂や汚れを水や洗顔料で洗い流す行為を指します。日常的な衛生習慣として欠かせない動作です。2) 使用パターン: 基本的な文型は「[人]が顔を洗う」です。また、朝の習慣として「朝、顔を洗う」とセットで使われることが多いです。3) 一般的な文脈: 起床直後、帰宅後、または寝る前など、清潔を保つ場面で頻繁に使われます。また、比喩的に「頭を冷やす」「気分を切り替える」といったニュアンスで使われることもあります。4) 類語との比較: 「洗顔する」は「顔を洗う」の硬い表現で、化粧品の説明書や美容の文脈でよく使われます。「顔を洗う」はより口語的で、日常会話に適しています。

Examples

1

朝起きて、顔を洗う。

everyday

I wash my face after waking up in the morning.

2

洗顔料を使って丁寧に顔を洗います。

formal

I wash my face carefully using a facial cleanser.

Common Collocations

顔を洗う時間 Time to wash one's face
さっぱりと顔を洗う Wash one's face feeling refreshed

Common Phrases

顔を洗って出直してこい

Wash your face and come back (start over).

Often Confused With

顔を洗う vs 洗顔する

This is a more formal or technical term for washing one's face, often used in skincare contexts.

Grammar Patterns

名詞（を）洗う 朝、顔を洗う

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This verb is neutral and used in everyday conversation. It is not considered slang, but it is less formal than 'sen-gan'. Use it freely in casual and semi-formal settings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse it with 'arau' (to wash) applied to other objects. Remember it specifically refers to the face. Do not use 'kao o arau' for clothes or dishes.

Tips

💡

Use with morning routines

Pair this verb with 'asa' (morning) to describe your daily wake-up routine. It sounds very natural to native speakers.

⚠️

Avoid formal business settings

While common, it is a casual phrase. In very formal business situations, use 'sen-gan' (washing face) if necessary.

🌍

Refreshment culture in Japan

Washing the face is seen as a way to switch your mindset. It is a common 'reset' button for Japanese people.

Word Origin

Derived from the combination of 'kao' (face) and 'arau' (to wash). It is a standard compound verb in Japanese.

Cultural Context

Washing the face is a key part of the Japanese morning routine to signify the start of the day. It represents a physical and mental transition.

Memory Tip

Imagine yourself splashing cold water on your face at a sink. The word 'kao' (face) is the object you are 'arau' (washing).

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

意味は同じですが、「洗顔する」は少し硬い言葉で、美容やスキンケアの文脈でよく使われます。「顔を洗う」は日常会話で最も一般的に使われる表現です。

朝起きた時や、外出から帰った時、また眠気を覚ましたい時に使うのが自然です。

はい、「顔を洗って出直してこい」という慣用句があり、これは「出直してこい」という叱責のニュアンスを含みます。

はい、水だけで洗う場合でも「顔を洗う」と言います。

Test Yourself

fill blank

朝起きたら、まず___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 顔を洗う

朝の習慣として最も適切な動作だからです。

Score: /1

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