Guide on How to Say Laundry in Japan: Formal and Informal Ways

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “laundry” in Japan! Knowing the right words to use can be incredibly helpful when navigating daily life, especially when it comes to household chores. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express “laundry” in Japanese, providing you with various tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!

1. Formal Ways to Say Laundry

When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use respectful language in Japanese. Here are a few phrases to express “laundry” formally:

1. Sentakumono / 洗濯物: This is the most common and formal way to say “laundry” in Japanese. It literally translates to “washed things” and can be used in any formal setting.

2. Sentaku / 洗濯: This is a shorter version of “sentakumono” and is also considered formal. While it lacks the nuance of referring specifically to washed items, it is often used interchangeably in formal contexts.

3. Fuku no sentaku / 服の洗濯: If you want to specifically refer to laundry regarding clothes, you can use this phrase. “Fuku” means “clothes,” so this is a formal way to talk about doing the laundry for garments.

2. Informal Ways to Say Laundry

In informal settings, you can use more casual expressions when talking about laundry. Here are a few commonly used phrases:

1. Sentaku / 洗濯: While we mentioned “sentaku” as a formal term earlier, it is worth noting that Japanese people also commonly use it in informal conversations. You can often drop the honorific “o” particle when speaking casually.

2. Sentakumon / 洗濯物: Similar to “sentaku,” dropping the “o” particle and making it “sentakumon” gives a more casual vibe. This form is widely used among friends and family members.

3. Kirei ni suru / きれいにする: This is a casual, yet useful phrase that means “to clean something well.” Although it doesn’t directly refer to laundry, it can be used when discussing the act of cleaning clothes.

3. Regional Variations

While the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are understood throughout Japan, it’s worth noting that certain regions may have unique dialects or variations. Here is an example of a regional variation:

1. Kanto region: In the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, the word “sawaru” / 触る is sometimes used to mean “laundry.” However, it’s important to note that this usage is quite specific to this region, and it may not be widely understood in other parts of Japan.

4. Additional Tips and Examples

To further enhance your understanding of discussing laundry in Japanese, here are a few additional tips and examples:

Tips:

1. When speaking formally, it’s crucial to use proper honorific language like “o” or “go” before the word for laundry.
2. In more casual contexts, it’s common to drop the honorific particles to create a friendly atmosphere.
3. If you’re unsure whether to use formal or informal language, it’s better to lean towards formality, especially when speaking to people you don’t know well.

Examples:

• Formal: O-sentakumono wo yusetsu ni narimashita ka? / お洗濯物を脱水になりましたか？ (Have you finished spinning the laundry?)
• Informal: Sentaku ga amari nokotte inai / 洗濯があまり残っていない (There isn’t much laundry left to do.)

Remember, using the appropriate phrase for “laundry” in Japan will help you navigate daily chores and communicate effectively with others. Whether you opt for a formal or informal expression, the examples and tips provided in this guide will serve as a helpful starting point. Happy laundering!