掃除
sōji
掃除 (sōji) is the Japanese word for cleaning.
掃除 refers to the action of cleaning or scrubbing. In daily conversation, it is often used more broadly to mean tidying up a space. If you need to specify certain actions, you can use 拭く for to wipe, 洗う for to wash, 磨く for to polish or the phrase 掃除機をかける to mean to vacuum.
Meaning: action in which something is cleaned (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun 掃除 into the verb 'to clean', you add the verb する to form 掃除する.
How do you pronounce it?
sōji
When do people say it?
The term 大掃除 refers to a specific Japanese custom of deep cleaning the house at the end of the year to welcome the New Year.
Did you know?
- The phrase 掃除する can be used colloquially to describe 'cleaning out' or eliminating a group of enemies in video games or action movies.
- In many Japanese schools, students perform 掃除 themselves every day rather than hiring janitors. This is part of a curriculum to teach responsibility and respect for one's environment.
- The concept of 'cleaning' in Japan is often linked to the concept of 'purity' (kiyome), where a clean space is seen as a space that is spiritually safe.
Examples in context
- 大掃除の時間よ。It's time for spring cleaning.This sentence is useful for noting the time for spring cleaning using 掃除.Tatoeba #9533434 by small_snow, translation #6888854 by CK
- 大掃除の時間だよ！It's time for spring cleaning!Tatoeba #9533438 by small_snow, translation #6887051 by Hybrid
- 大掃除、手伝って。Help me with the spring cleaning.This sentence is useful for asking for help with spring cleaning using 掃除.Tatoeba #10553450 by small_snow, translation #10558948 by DJ_Saidez
- 今日は部屋の掃除をします。I will clean the room today.
- 玄関を磨くのは大変ですね。Polishing the entrance is tough, isn't it?
- 片付けるのが苦手です。I'm not good at tidying up.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young couple is preparing their apartment for guests.
- 陽太 Yota週末は掃除をしよう。Shuumatsu wa souji o shiyou.Let's do some cleaning this weekend.
- 結衣 Yuiどこから始める？Doko kara hajimeru?Where should we start?
- 陽太 Yotaまずはリビングの掃除だね。Mazu wa ribingu no souji da ne.First, it's cleaning the living room.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった、頑張るよ！Wakatta, ganbaru yo!Got it, I'll do my best!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
