箒
hōki[ho̞ːkʲi]
The English word 'broom' is translated into Japanese as 箒 (hōki). Wiktionary also lists 帚 (hōki).
Meaning: domestic utensil (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 箒 | hōki | [ho̞ːkʲi] (narrow) [ha̠ha̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| 帚 | hōki |
The term refers to a domestic utensil used for sweeping.
How do you pronounce it?
hōki
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the 箒 is not just a tool but a symbol of purification used by shrines and temples to clear away spiritual impurities.
- The word 箒 is originally a compound of 羽, meaning 'feather' or 'wing', and 掃き, meaning 'sweeping'.
- While Western culture associates brooms with witches, in Japan the 箒 is more commonly associated with diligence and the Buddhist concept of cleaning the mind.
Examples in context
- ホウキを持ってきていただけませんか？(Houki o motte kite itadakemasen ka?)Can you please bring me the broom?
- ホウキで床を掃いていただけませんか？(Houki de yuka o haite itadakemasen ka?)Could you use the broom to sweep the floor?
- 新しい箒を買いました。Atarashii houki o kaimashita.I bought a new broom.
- その箒はどこにありますか？Sono houki wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is that broom?
- 庭の掃除に箒が必要です。Niwa no souji ni houki ga hitsuyou desu.A broom is needed for cleaning the garden.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are cleaning the living room.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君、その箒を使って。Kenta-kun, sono houki o tsukatte.Kenta, please use that broom.
- 健太 Kentaわかったよ、美咲。これで掃除するね。Wakatta yo, Misaki. Kore de souji suru ne.I got it, Misaki. I'll clean with this.
- 美咲 Misaki隅の方まで綺麗にしてね。Sumi no hou made kirei ni shite ne.Make sure to clean the corners, too.
- 健太 Kenta了解、任せて。Ryoukai, makasete.Roger, leave it to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broom” translations and entries 箒, 帚, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 箒, CC BY-SA 4.0.
