流し
nagashi[na̠ɡa̠ɕi]
The Japanese word for sink is 流し (nagashi), which is the default form. Wiktionary also lists キッチンシンク (kitchin shinku) and シンク (shinku).
Meaning: basin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 流し | nagashi | [na̠ɡa̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| キッチンシンク | kitchin shinku | |
| シンク | shinku | [ɕĩŋkɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 洗面器 | senmenki | [sẽ̞mːẽ̞ŋʲkʲi] (narrow) |
The term 流し is used to refer to a sink. To specify a kitchen sink and avoid ambiguity with other types of basins, you can use the katakana phrase キッチンシンク. The term 流し台 is also a common way to refer to the kitchen sink area. When counting sinks, the counter 台 is used.
Which one should you use?
キッチンシンク is used specifically to denote a kitchen sink. In contrast, use 洗面器 specifically for a washbasin or a portable basin used for washing one's face rather than a built-in kitchen sink.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
nagashi
Did you know?
- While シンク is used for a kitchen sink, it is also a loanword for the number five in dice games, borrowed from the old French word 'cinque'.
- Japanese homes often have a dedicated 洗面器 that is a portable plastic bowl used specifically for face washing, rather than just a built-in basin.
- While the English word 'sink' refers to a basin, the Japanese word 流し (nagashi) actually describes the action of 'letting something flow'.
Examples in context
- 水が蛇口からシンクへと流れゆく。Water is running from the faucet into the sink.Tatoeba #8928514 by small_snow, translation #8924356 by AlanF_US
- あなたが流し台の修理をしてくれるのだと思っていました。I thought you were going to fix the sink.Tatoeba #2056699 by bunbuku, translation #1961744 by CK
- トムはいつも流しに汚れたお皿を置きっぱなしにするんだよ。Tom always leaves dirty dishes in the sink.Tatoeba #8892084 by bunbuku, translation #2821095 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are cleaning the kitchen together.
- 大翔 Hiroto流しに食器を置いていい？Nagashi ni shokki o oite ii?Can I put the dishes in the sink?
- 陽葵 Himariいいけど、先に洗ってね。Ii kedo, saki ni aratte ne.That's fine, but please wash them first.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。流しをきれいにするよ。Wakatta. Nagashi o kirei ni suru yo.Got it. I'll clean the sink.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、助かるわ。Arigato, tasukaru wa.Thanks, that helps.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sink” translations and entries 流し, シンク, 洗面器, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シンク, 洗面器, 流し, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
