食器洗い
shokkiarai
The English phrase "dishes" (in the sense of dishwashing) is translated into Japanese as 食器洗い (shokkiarai). Wiktionary also lists 皿洗い (saraarai).
Meaning: dishwashing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 食器洗い | shokkiarai | |
| 皿洗い | saraarai | [sa̠ɾa̠a̠ɾa̠i] (narrow) |
When discussing specific types of dishes, note that gohan is used when referring to rice dishes, while menrui is used in a formal context when talking about noodle dishes.
Which one should you use?
食器洗い is more formal or technical than 皿洗い and is often used in official contexts like chore rotations or instructions.
How do you pronounce it?
shokkiarai
Did you know?
- The term shokki includes chopsticks, which are conceptually grouped with 'dishes' in Japanese despite being tools for eating rather than vessels for holding food.
- The term shokki (dishes/tableware) contains the kanji for 'vessel' or 'container', which is the same character used in maritime contexts for large ships.
- Historically, the specific type of shokki one used was a strict indicator of a person's social rank and status.
Examples in context
- 皿洗いは嫌だ。I don't want to wash the dishes.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for the task of 皿洗い.Tatoeba #10802082 by small_snow, translation #8868443 by shekitten
- 皿洗い手伝うよ。Let me help you with the dishes.This sentence is useful for offering to help with 皿洗い.Tatoeba #9353722 by bunbuku, translation #244969 by CK
- 食器洗い当番です。My job is to wash the dishes.This sentence is useful for stating one's duty or role regarding 食器洗い.Tatoeba #12143032 by small_snow, translation #2744923 by sharptoothed
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young couple is finishing dinner at home.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日の食器洗いは僕がやるよ。Kyō no shokkiarai wa boku ga yaru yo.I will do the dishwashing today.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。助かるわ。Arigatō. Tasukaru wa.Thank you. That helps.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵はゆっくり休んでいて。Himari wa yukkuri yasunde ite.Himari, please just relax.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、お言葉に甘えるね。Jā, okotoba ni amaeru ne.Then, I'll take you up on that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dishes” translations and entries 皿洗い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
