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A2 noun #2,000 most common 14 min read

掃除

At the A1 level, your primary goal is to recognize the word 掃除 (souji) and understand its basic meaning: cleaning. You should know that it is a noun, but it is almost always used with the verb する (suru - to do) to mean 'to clean' (掃除する - souji suru). At this stage, you will mostly use it to talk about your daily routines and basic household chores. You should be able to say simple sentences like 'I clean my room' (私は部屋を掃除します - watashi wa heya wo souji shimasu) or 'I will clean tomorrow' (明日、掃除をします - ashita, souji wo shimasu). You should also learn the word for vacuum cleaner, 掃除機 (soujiki), as it is a very common household item. Practice combining 掃除 with days of the week or times of day, such as 'Sunday is cleaning day' (日曜日には掃除をします). Do not worry too much about complex grammar or nuanced synonyms yet; just focus on associating the sound 'souji' with the action of sweeping, vacuuming, or making a room tidy. Remember that you use the particle を (wo) to connect the place you are cleaning to the verb, as in 部屋を掃除する (clean the room). This basic structure will serve as the foundation for more complex sentences later on. Also, try to remember that 掃除 is not used for washing clothes or dishes; keep it restricted to rooms, floors, and general spaces.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 掃除 (souji) expands to include more detailed descriptions of your routines, obligations, and the tools you use. You should now be comfortable using the phrase 掃除機をかける (soujiki wo kakeru - to vacuum) instead of just the general 掃除する. You will start encountering the word in different contexts, such as school or work, and you should learn the term 掃除当番 (souji touban - cleaning duty). You can now express reasons and frequencies, such as 'Because my room is dirty, I must clean it' (部屋が汚いから、掃除をしなければなりません - heya ga kitanai kara, souji wo shinakereba narimasen) or 'I clean once a week' (週に一回掃除をします - shuu ni ikkai souji wo shimasu). At this level, you should also clearly distinguish between 掃除 (cleaning spaces) and 片付け (katadzuke - tidying up/organizing items). You can use the te-form to connect actions, like 'I will clean the room and then study' (部屋を掃除してから、勉強します - heya wo souji shite kara, benkyou shimasu). You should also be able to understand simple requests or instructions related to cleaning, such as a host family asking you to clean your space. The concept of 大掃除 (oosouji - year-end cleaning) should also be introduced to your vocabulary, allowing you to discuss seasonal traditions and cultural habits in Japan.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 掃除 (souji) in more complex and varied social situations. You should be able to discuss the division of household chores, negotiate responsibilities, and express your feelings about cleaning. For example, you can say, 'I hate cleaning the bathroom, but I don't mind vacuuming' (お風呂の掃除は嫌いですが、掃除機をかけるのは構いません). You will also start using passive and causative forms. For instance, 'I was made to clean the classroom by the teacher' (先生に教室を掃除させられた - sensei ni kyoushitsu wo souji saserareta). Your vocabulary around cleaning tools and actions should expand to include words like ほうき (broom), 雑巾 (dustcloth), 掃く (to sweep), and 拭く (to wipe). You should understand the difference between the everyday 掃除 and the more formal 清掃 (seisou), recognizing the latter on signs or in official announcements. You can also discuss the cultural aspects of cleaning in Japan, such as why students clean their own schools, and express your opinions on this practice compared to your home country. At this stage, 掃除 is not just a vocabulary word for a chore; it becomes a topic of conversation through which you can explore cultural differences, personal habits, and social responsibilities in a clear and structured manner.
At the B2 level, your mastery of 掃除 (souji) involves a deep understanding of its cultural significance and the ability to use it in abstract or metaphorical contexts. You can effortlessly discuss the psychological benefits of a clean environment, using phrases like 'Cleaning helps me clear my mind' (掃除をすると心がスッキリします). You should be comfortable reading and understanding articles or blog posts about cleaning hacks, minimalist lifestyles (like the KonMari method), and the traditional importance of 大掃除 (oosouji) in Shinto beliefs. You can debate the pros and cons of mandatory cleaning duties in schools or workplaces, using sophisticated vocabulary to express your arguments. Metaphorically, you might encounter or use the concept of 'cleaning up' in a business or political context, such as 'cleaning up a scandal' or 'sweeping out corruption,' though other words might also be used, the conceptual link remains. You will understand idiomatic expressions and compound words related to cleaning without hesitation. Your speech should reflect a natural flow, correctly choosing between 掃除, 清掃, 片付け, and 整理整頓 depending on the exact nuance and formality required by the situation. You are no longer just talking about doing chores; you are discussing the philosophy and societal impact of cleanliness in Japan.
At the C1 level, your use of 掃除 (souji) is near-native, characterized by a high degree of precision, appropriateness, and an understanding of subtle cultural and linguistic nuances. You can read complex literary or sociological texts that discuss the historical evolution of cleaning practices in Japan, from Zen Buddhist monasteries to modern corporate environments. You understand the etymology of the kanji 掃 and 除 and how they relate to the broader concepts of purification (浄化) and removing worldly desires. You can effortlessly navigate highly formal business Japanese (Keigo) when discussing cleaning contracts, facility management, or corporate social responsibility related to environmental cleanliness, seamlessly switching to the formal 清掃 (seisou) or even more specialized terms when necessary. You can use humor, sarcasm, or irony related to cleaning, and you fully grasp the societal expectations placed on different genders or roles regarding household chores in Japan. You can write persuasive essays or deliver presentations on the psychological impact of living spaces, using 掃除 as a central theme to explore deeper issues of mental health, consumerism, and traditional values. Your vocabulary includes rare or highly specific cleaning terms, and you never make the basic mistakes of confusing 掃除 with washing or tidying.
At the C2 level, your comprehension and application of 掃除 (souji) are indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You possess a profound, intuitive grasp of the word's place within the vast web of Japanese culture, history, and literature. You can analyze classic Japanese literature or poetry where the act of sweeping is used as a metaphor for spiritual awakening or the transience of life (mono no aware). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the Zen concept of samu (作務), the physical labor, including cleaning, that is considered an essential part of mindfulness and enlightenment. You understand regional dialects or historical variations in cleaning terminology. You can critique academic papers on the sociology of domestic labor in Japan, discussing how the burden of 掃除 has shifted over decades. In professional settings, you can draft legally binding contracts for commercial cleaning services or write corporate policies regarding workplace hygiene, using impeccable, highly specialized terminology. You can play with the language, creating puns or sophisticated metaphors based on the kanji or the cultural practices of O-soji. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 掃除 is a multifaceted concept that you can manipulate with complete freedom, elegance, and profound cultural empathy.
Examples
The Japanese word 掃除 (souji) primarily translates to the act of cleaning, sweeping, or tidying up a physical space. In the context of Japanese culture and daily life, this term encompasses a wide variety of activities aimed at removing dirt, dust, and clutter from one's environment to restore a state of purity and order. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the simple English translation of 'cleaning' and recognizing the cultural weight it carries. In Japan, cleaning is not merely a chore but a fundamental practice of mindfulness, respect, and community responsibility. The word is composed of two kanji characters: 掃 (sou), which means to sweep or brush away, and 除 (ji), which means to exclude, remove, or get rid of. Together, they form a powerful compound that literally means to sweep away and remove impurities. This concept is deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where physical cleanliness is often equated with spiritual purity. When you perform 掃除, you are not just making a room look nice; you are purifying the space and, by extension, your own mind.
Kanji Breakdown
The first character 掃 implies the physical action of using a broom, while 除 implies the conceptual removal of unwanted elements.

Every morning, the monks begin their day with 掃除 to cultivate discipline.

In Japanese schools, students participate in daily cleaning activities known as souji no jikan (cleaning time). This practice teaches children from a young age that maintaining their environment is a shared responsibility, fostering a sense of teamwork and respect for public spaces. Unlike in many Western schools where janitors handle all cleaning duties, Japanese students sweep the classrooms, wipe the chalkboards, and even clean the bathrooms. This educational philosophy highlights the egalitarian nature of 掃除.
School Context
Students working together to clean their school environment.

The students diligently performed their 掃除 duties after lunch.

Furthermore, the concept extends to the workplace. Many Japanese companies incorporate brief cleaning sessions into their daily routines, believing that a clean workspace leads to clear thinking and higher productivity. Employees, regardless of their rank, may participate in emptying trash cans or wiping desks. This collective effort reinforces company harmony and humility.
Workplace Harmony
Corporate cleaning routines that build teamwork and humility among staff.

The CEO joined the staff for the morning 掃除 session.

At home, 掃除 is a regular part of household management. It involves vacuuming (using a 掃除機 - soujiki), dusting, wiping floors with a damp cloth (zokin-gake), and organizing belongings. The meticulous nature of Japanese cleaning can be seen in the specialized tools and products available in stores, each designed for a specific type of dirt or surface.

She bought a new vacuum cleaner to make 掃除 easier.

Finally, the psychological benefits of 掃除 are widely recognized. The act of cleaning is often recommended as a way to relieve stress and regain a sense of control over one's life. By organizing the external environment, individuals often find that their internal state becomes calmer and more focused. This holistic approach to cleanliness makes 掃除 a vital and deeply meaningful word in the Japanese language, far surpassing its basic dictionary definition.

He found peace of mind through the simple act of 掃除.

Using the word 掃除 (souji) correctly in Japanese requires an understanding of its grammatical function and the common verbs and particles it pairs with. As a verbal noun (suru-verb), 掃除 is incredibly versatile. The most fundamental way to use it is by attaching the verb する (suru - to do), creating the action 'to clean' (掃除する - souji suru). This is the standard, everyday expression you will use when talking about cleaning a room, a house, or any physical space. When you want to specify what you are cleaning, you typically use the object particle を (wo). For example, '部屋を掃除する' (heya wo souji suru) means 'to clean the room.' This structure is the backbone of most sentences involving this vocabulary word.
Basic Verb Pairing
Combining the noun with suru to create an action verb.

週末に部屋の掃除をします。

Beyond the basic verb form, 掃除 frequently appears in compound nouns. One of the most common is 掃除機 (soujiki), which translates to 'vacuum cleaner.' The suffix 機 (ki) means machine, so it literally means 'cleaning machine.' You would use the verb かける (kakeru) with this compound: 掃除機をかける (soujiki wo kakeru - to vacuum). Another essential compound is 大掃除 (oosouji), the traditional major cleaning done at the end of the year. The prefix 大 (oo) means big or great, emphasizing the scale of the task.
Compound Nouns
Adding suffixes or prefixes to create specific cleaning-related terms.

新しい掃除機を買いました。

You will also encounter 掃除 in the context of assigning duties. The word 掃除当番 (souji touban) refers to a person on cleaning duty. This is especially common in schools and shared living spaces. If you are living in a share house in Japan, you might see a 掃除当番表 (souji toubanhyou - cleaning roster) on the wall. When discussing the state of being clean or the result of cleaning, you might use adjectives like きれい (kirei - clean/beautiful). For instance, '掃除をして部屋がきれいになった' (souji wo shite heya ga kirei ni natta) means 'I cleaned, and the room became clean.'
Duty and Roles
Using the word to describe responsibilities and schedules.

今日の掃除当番は誰ですか。

It is important to note the difference between 掃除 and other cleaning-related words to use it naturally. While 掃除 covers general cleaning, sweeping, and vacuuming, it is not used for washing clothes (洗濯 - sentaku) or washing dishes (皿洗い - sara-arai). You would never say '服を掃除する' (fuku wo souji suru) to mean washing clothes; that would sound absurd to a native speaker, implying you are vacuuming or sweeping your shirt. Similarly, tidying up or organizing clutter without necessarily removing dirt is better described by 片付け (katadzuke).

お風呂の掃除は面倒くさいです。

In formal or business contexts, a more elevated synonym, 清掃 (seisou), is often preferred. You might see 清掃中 (seisouchuu - cleaning in progress) on a sign in a public restroom rather than 掃除中. However, in everyday conversation, 掃除 remains the most natural and widely used term. Mastering its various forms, compounds, and correct contexts will significantly improve your ability to navigate daily life and conversations in Japanese, allowing you to discuss chores, habits, and cleanliness with confidence and accuracy.

年末には必ず大掃除をします。

The word 掃除 (souji) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, and you will hear it in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual family conversations to formal announcements in public spaces. Because cleanliness is such a highly valued cultural norm in Japan, discussions about cleaning are frequent and normalized. The most common place you will hear this word is within the home. Family members constantly use it when dividing household chores, reminding children to clean their rooms, or planning weekend activities. A mother might tell her child, '部屋の掃除をしなさい' (heya no souji wo shinasai - clean your room), or a couple might discuss who will do the vacuuming with '今日は私が掃除機をかけるね' (kyou wa watashi ga soujiki wo kakeru ne - I will vacuum today).
Domestic Life
Everyday conversations about household chores and maintaining a tidy home.

お母さんは毎日家の掃除をしています。

Another major environment where 掃除 is frequently heard is the Japanese school system. As mentioned earlier, students are responsible for cleaning their own classrooms and school grounds. Teachers will announce the start of cleaning time by saying '掃除の時間です' (souji no jikan desu - it is cleaning time). Students will discuss their assigned areas, asking '今日の掃除当番はどこ？' (kyou no souji touban wa doko? - where is our cleaning duty today?). This daily ritual embeds the vocabulary word deeply into the minds of everyone who grows up in Japan, making it a nostalgic and universally understood concept.
Educational Settings
School announcements and student interactions regarding daily cleaning duties.

放課後、教室の掃除をしました。

You will also encounter this word frequently in the workplace, especially in traditional Japanese companies or retail environments. Morning meetings often include a brief period dedicated to 掃除, where employees tidy their desks and communal areas. A manager might say, '朝礼の前に掃除をしましょう' (chourei no mae ni souji wo shimashou - let's clean before the morning assembly). In retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, staff members are constantly engaged in 掃除 to ensure the environment is pristine for customers. You might overhear staff coordinating tasks, saying 'トイレの掃除をお願いします' (toire no souji wo onegaishimasu - please clean the restroom).
Work and Retail
Professional environments maintaining high standards of cleanliness for clients.

開店前に店の掃除を終わらせます。

Public spaces and transportation are other areas where the concept of 掃除 is highly visible, even if the word itself is sometimes replaced by its more formal synonym, 清掃 (seisou). However, you will still hear people colloquially referring to the cleaning staff as 掃除のおばさん (souji no obasan - the cleaning lady) or 掃除の人 (souji no hito - the cleaning person), though these terms are becoming less common in favor of more respectful titles. When the Shinkansen (bullet train) arrives at its final destination, the rapid and highly choreographed cleaning process is famous worldwide, and locals will often refer to this impressive feat using the word 掃除.

駅の掃除が行き届いています。

Finally, as the year comes to a close, the word 大掃除 (oosouji) dominates conversations everywhere. Television programs broadcast tips on how to remove stubborn stains, hardware stores feature massive displays of cleaning supplies, and friends ask each other, 'もう大掃除は終わった？' (mou oosouji wa owatta? - have you finished your year-end cleaning yet?). This seasonal ubiquity cements 掃除 as not just a daily chore, but a significant cultural event that marks the transition of time and the welcoming of a fresh, purified new year.

年末のテレビ番組は掃除のコツばかりです。

When learning the Japanese word 掃除 (souji), beginners often make several predictable mistakes, primarily due to direct translation from English and a misunderstanding of the specific nuances of Japanese cleaning vocabulary. The most frequent and glaring error is using 掃除 to refer to washing clothes or dishes. In English, we might say 'I need to clean my clothes' or 'I am cleaning the dishes,' but in Japanese, 掃除 is strictly reserved for cleaning spaces, surfaces, and rooms (like sweeping, vacuuming, or wiping floors). If you say '服を掃除する' (fuku wo souji suru), a Japanese speaker will imagine you taking a vacuum cleaner to your shirt or sweeping your trousers with a broom. The correct word for washing clothes is 洗濯 (sentaku), and for washing dishes, it is 皿洗い (sara-arai) or simply 洗う (arau - to wash).
Wrong Object
Applying souji to items that require washing with water, like clothes or dishes.

❌ 服を掃除する。 ⭕ 服を洗濯する。

Another common mistake is confusing 掃除 with 片付け (katadzuke). While both translate loosely to 'cleaning up' or 'tidying' in English, they represent different actions in Japanese. 片付け refers to the act of organizing, putting things away, and clearing clutter. 掃除 refers to the actual removal of dirt, dust, and grime. You can do 片付け without doing 掃除 (putting your books on a shelf but leaving the floor dusty), and you can do 掃除 without doing 片付け (vacuuming around piles of clothes on the floor). Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion. If a mother tells her child to do 片付け, she wants the toys put away. If she says 掃除, she expects the floor to be swept.
Tidying vs. Cleaning
Failing to distinguish between organizing items and removing physical dirt.

❌ 散らかった本を掃除する。 ⭕ 散らかった本を片付ける。

Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage when 掃除 is combined with other words. For example, when using the word for vacuum cleaner (掃除機 - soujiki), the correct verb is かける (kakeru), not する (suru). Saying '掃除機をする' (soujiki wo suru) sounds unnatural. The correct phrasing is '掃除機をかける' (soujiki wo kakeru). Furthermore, learners might forget that 掃除 is a noun that needs する to become a verb. Saying '私掃除部屋' (watashi souji heya) is grammatically incorrect; it must be connected properly with particles: '私は部屋を掃除する' (watashi wa heya wo souji suru).
Particle and Verb Errors
Using incorrect verbs with compounds or dropping necessary particles.

❌ 掃除機をする。 ⭕ 掃除機をかける。

A more subtle mistake involves register and formality. In highly formal business settings or public announcements, the word 清掃 (seisou) is preferred over 掃除. If you are writing a formal business email to a cleaning company or making a public address, using 掃除 might sound a bit too casual or domestic. While people will understand you perfectly, mastering the distinction between the everyday 掃除 and the formal 清掃 shows a higher level of language proficiency and cultural awareness.

❌ トイレ掃除中 (Formal sign). ⭕ トイレ清掃中。

Finally, learners often miss the cultural nuance of 大掃除 (oosouji). Translating it simply as 'big cleaning' misses the point that it specifically refers to the traditional year-end cleaning ritual. If you do a massive deep clean of your house in July and call it 大掃除, a Japanese person might find it slightly amusing or confusing, as the term is heavily tied to December and the New Year preparations. Understanding these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

夏に大掃除をすると言うと、少し不自然に聞こえます。

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary related to cleanliness, organization, and purity, reflecting the culture's deep appreciation for these concepts. While 掃除 (souji) is the most common and versatile word for general cleaning, several similar words exist, each with its own specific nuance, context, and application. Understanding these synonyms and related terms is crucial for achieving fluency and expressing yourself precisely. The most direct synonym is 清掃 (seisou). Both words share the kanji 掃 (to sweep), but 清掃 uses 清 (pure/clean) instead of 除 (remove). 清掃 is a more formal, clinical, and professional term. You will see it on signs in public restrooms (清掃中 - cleaning in progress), on the uniforms of professional cleaning staff, and in official documents. While you do 掃除 at home, a municipality handles the 清掃 of the streets.
Formal Cleaning
Seisou is used for professional, public, or highly formal cleaning contexts.

ビルの清掃業者が到着しました。

Another closely related concept is 片付け (katadzuke), which translates to tidying up, putting things away, or organizing. As discussed in the common mistakes section, 片付け is about managing clutter rather than removing dirt. If your desk is covered in papers, books, and pens, you need to do 片付け. If the desk is empty but covered in dust, you need to do 掃除. Often, these two actions go hand-in-hand; you must 片付ける before you can properly 掃除する. A related compound is 整理整頓 (seiri seiton), a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) meaning keeping things organized and in order, often used as a slogan in workplaces and schools to promote efficiency and safety.
Tidying and Organizing
Katadzuke focuses on putting items in their proper place.

掃除の前に、まずおもちゃを片付けなさい。

When it comes to washing things with water, the vocabulary shifts entirely. 洗濯 (sentaku) is strictly used for doing the laundry—washing clothes, towels, and fabrics. You use a 洗濯機 (sentakuki - washing machine) for this. For washing your hands, face, or dishes, the verb 洗う (arau - to wash) is used. For example, 手を洗う (te wo arau - wash hands) or 皿洗い (sara-arai - dishwashing). It is vital to separate the concept of dry cleaning/sweeping (掃除) from wet washing (洗濯/洗う) in your mental dictionary, as Japanese categorizes these actions very strictly.
Washing with Water
Sentaku and arau are used when water and soap are the primary cleaning agents.

週末は掃除と洗濯で忙しいです。

There are also more specific verbs for the physical actions involved in 掃除. 掃く (haku) means to sweep with a broom (ほうき - houki). 拭く (fuku) means to wipe a surface with a cloth (雑巾 - zoukin). 磨く (migaku) means to polish or brush vigorously, such as polishing shoes (靴を磨く) or brushing teeth (歯を磨く). These verbs describe the micro-actions that make up the macro-concept of 掃除. By learning these specific action verbs, you can describe your cleaning process in much greater detail.

床を掃いてから、雑巾で拭きます。

Finally, there is the concept of 浄化 (jouka), which means purification. While rarely used for everyday household chores, it shares the spiritual and conceptual roots of 掃除. 浄化 is used in religious contexts, environmental contexts (like water purification), or metaphorical contexts (purifying one's soul). Understanding that 掃除 is a mundane echo of this deeper desire for purity helps illuminate why the Japanese take their daily cleaning rituals so seriously.

神社を掃除することは、心を浄化することでもあります。

Examples by Level

1

私は毎日掃除をします。

I clean every day.

Noun + を + します (to do).

2

部屋を掃除してください。

Please clean the room.

Te-form of suru + kudasai for requests.

3

日曜日は掃除の日です。

Sunday is cleaning day.

Noun + の + Noun.

4

掃除機を買いました。

I bought a vacuum cleaner.

掃除機 (soujiki) is a common compound noun.

5

一緒に掃除しましょう。

Let's clean together.

Volitional form of suru (shimashou).

6

掃除が好きです。

I like cleaning.

Noun + が + 好きです.

7

トイレの掃除をします。

I will clean the toilet.

Specific location + の + 掃除.

8

掃除は終わりましたか。

Did you finish cleaning?

掃除 as the subject with particle は.

1

部屋が汚いから、掃除をします。

Because the room is dirty, I will clean it.

Reason + から.

2

週末に大掃除をするつもりです。

I plan to do a big cleaning on the weekend.

Verb dictionary form + つもりです (plan to).

3

掃除機をかけるのが面倒くさいです。

Vacuuming is bothersome.

Verb phrase + の + が + adjective.

4

今日の掃除当番は山田さんです。

Today's cleaning duty is Yamada-san.

掃除当番 (cleaning duty).

5

掃除をしてから、遊びに行きます。

After I clean, I will go play.

Te-form + から (after doing).

6

母に掃除を手伝うように言われました。

I was told by my mother to help with the cleaning.

Passive voice + ように言われる.

7

この部屋は掃除がしやすいです。

This room is easy to clean.

Verb stem + やすい (easy to do).

8

毎日掃除をすれば、部屋はきれいです。

If you clean every day, the room will be clean.

Conditional form (ば).

1

年末には家族全員で大掃除を行うのが日本の習慣です。

It is a Japanese custom for the whole family to do a major cleaning at the end of the year.

Nominalization with の + が + Noun.

2

掃除機が壊れたので、新しいのを買わなければなりません。

The vacuum cleaner broke, so I have to buy a new one.

Verb + なければなりません (must do).

3

彼は掃除をサボって、ゲームばかりしている。

He is skipping cleaning and doing nothing but playing games.

Verb te-form + ばかりいる (doing nothing but).

4

職場のデスクを常に整理整頓し、掃除を心がけています。

I always keep my work desk organized and try to keep it clean.

心がける (to keep in mind / try to do).

5

掃除の行き届いたホテルに泊まりたいです。

I want to stay in a thoroughly cleaned hotel.

行き届く (to be thorough/meticulous) modifying a noun.

6

子供に掃除の仕方を教えるのは親の責任だ。

It is the parents' responsibility to teach children how to clean.

Verb stem + 方 (how to do).

7

どんなに忙しくても、最低限の掃除はするべきだ。

No matter how busy you are, you should do the minimum amount of cleaning.

どんなに + te-form + も (no matter how).

8

掃除機をかけている間に、洗濯機を回しておきます。

While I am vacuuming, I will run the washing machine.

〜ている間に (while doing) and 〜ておく (do in advance).

1

断捨離をしてから掃除をすると、驚くほど効率が良い。

If you clean after decluttering, it is surprisingly efficient.

驚くほど (surprisingly) + adjective.

2

日本の学校教育において、生徒自身による掃除は重要な役割を果たしている。

In Japanese school education, cleaning by the students themselves plays an important role.

〜において (in/at) and 役割を果たす (play a role).

3

ルンバのようなロボット掃除機の普及により、家事の負担が大幅に軽減された。

With the spread of robot vacuum cleaners like Roomba, the burden of housework has been greatly reduced.

〜により (due to/by means of) in formal context.

4

ただ表面を綺麗にするだけでなく、見えないところまで掃除するのがプロの仕事だ。

A professional's job is not just to clean the surface, but to clean even the unseen areas.

〜だけでなく、〜も (not only... but also).

5

大掃除は単なる汚れ落としではなく、一年の厄を払うという精神的な意味合いも含まれている。

The year-end cleaning is not merely removing dirt, but also includes the spiritual meaning of sweeping away the year's bad luck.

単なる〜ではなく (not merely...).

6

彼は潔癖症で、他人が掃除した部屋でも自分でやり直さないと気が済まない。

He is a neat freak and cannot be satisfied unless he re-cleans a room even if someone else has already cleaned it.

〜ないと気が済まない (cannot be satisfied unless).

7

環境保護の観点から、化学洗剤を使わないエコな掃除方法が注目を集めている。

From the perspective of environmental protection, eco-friendly cleaning methods that do not use chemical detergents are attracting attention.

〜の観点から (from the perspective of).

8

長年放置されていた空き家の掃除は、想像を絶するほど過酷な作業だった。

Cleaning the abandoned house that had been neglected for years was an unimaginably harsh task.

想像を絶する (beyond imagination).

1

企業の不祥事が発覚した後、経営陣は組織の内部を徹底的に掃除する必要に迫られた。

After the corporate scandal came to light, the management was forced to thoroughly clean up the inside of the organization.

Metaphorical use of 掃除; 〜に迫られる (forced to).

2

禅寺での作務としての掃除は、単なる労働ではなく、自己の内面と向き合う修行の一環である。

Cleaning as 'samu' in a Zen temple is not mere labor, but a part of ascetic practice to face one's inner self.

〜の一環 (as part of).

3

最新の清掃技術が導入されたとはいえ、最終的な仕上げには熟練した職人の手による掃除が不可欠だ。

Even though the latest cleaning technology has been introduced, cleaning by the hands of skilled craftsmen is indispensable for the final finish.

〜とはいえ (even though).

4

彼女の掃除の徹底ぶりは、もはや芸術の域に達していると言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that the thoroughness of her cleaning has already reached the realm of art.

〜と言っても過言ではない (it is no exaggeration to say).

5

特殊清掃という職業は、死と直面する過酷な現場において、遺族の心のケアという側面も持ち合わせている。

The profession of special cleaning, in harsh scenes facing death, also has the aspect of caring for the hearts of the bereaved family.

持ち合わせている (to possess/have as well).

6

年末の慌ただしさにかまけて大掃除を怠ると、新年を清々しい気持ちで迎えることができない。

If you neglect the year-end cleaning under the pretext of the end-of-year busyness, you cannot welcome the new year with a refreshing feeling.

〜にかまけて (using... as an excuse / distracted by).

7

都市の美観を維持するためには、行政による定期的な清掃活動と市民の自発的な掃除の双方が求められる。

In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the city, both regular cleaning activities by the administration and voluntary cleaning by citizens are required.

双方 (both parties/sides).

8

埃一つないまでに磨き上げられた床は、日々の地道な掃除の賜物である。

The floor, polished to the point where there is not a single speck of dust, is the fruit of steady daily cleaning.

〜の賜物 (the fruit/result of).

1

古民家の煤払いから始まる一連の掃除の儀式は、日本人の自然観と宗教観が色濃く反映された文化的所産である。

The series of cleaning rituals starting with the sweeping of soot in an old folk house is a cultural product that strongly reflects the Japanese view of nature and religion.

色濃く反映された (strongly reflected).

2

汚職政治家を一掃するという公約を掲げた新市長は、市役所内の大掃除に直ちに着手した。

The new mayor, who made a campaign promise to sweep away corrupt politicians, immediately set about a major clean-up within the city hall.

一掃する (to sweep away/eradicate) and 大掃除 as metaphor.

3

情報化社会において、デジタルデータの断捨離と定期的な掃除は、情報漏洩を防ぐための喫緊の課題となっている。

In the information society, decluttering and regularly cleaning digital data has become an urgent issue to prevent information leaks.

喫緊の課題 (urgent issue).

4

その小説は、主人公が荒れ果てた実家を無言で掃除し続ける描写を通して、喪失の受容という重いテーマを浮き彫りにしている。

The novel highlights the heavy theme of accepting loss through the depiction of the protagonist silently continuing to clean their ruined childhood home.

〜を通して (through) and 浮き彫りにする (to highlight/bring to the fore).

5

脳のグリア細胞が睡眠中に老廃物を除去するメカニズムは、まさに脳内の大掃除と呼ぶに相応しい。

The mechanism by which glial cells in the brain remove waste products during sleep is truly worthy of being called a major clean-up within the brain.

〜と呼ぶに相応しい (worthy of being called).

6

長きにわたる悪習の垢を落とすための抜本的な組織改革は、痛みを伴う大掃除となることが予想される。

The drastic organizational reform to wash away the grime of long-standing bad habits is expected to be a painful major clean-up.

垢を落とす (to wash away grime - metaphorical).

7

彼女の掃除に対する偏執的なまでの執着は、幼少期のトラウマに対する無意識の防衛機制の表れであった。

Her almost paranoid obsession with cleaning was a manifestation of an unconscious defense mechanism against childhood trauma.

偏執的なまでの (to a paranoid extent).

8

万物は流転し、塵芥もまた土へと還る。日々の掃除とは、その宇宙の理に寄り添うささやかな営みに他ならない。

All things are in flux, and dust also returns to the earth. Daily cleaning is nothing but a modest endeavor to stay close to that cosmic truth.

〜に他ならない (is nothing but).

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