流し台
nagashidai
The English word "sinks" (referring to kitchen basins) is translated into Japanese as 流し台 (nagashidai).
流し台 refers to the fixed basins equipped with a drain and faucet used for tasks like washing dishes or hands.
Which one should you use?
While 流し台 specifically refers to the kitchen unit or counter, the shortened form 流し is often used colloquially to refer to the sink area itself. Additionally, the loanword シンク is common, particularly in modern interior design or when specifically discussing stainless steel kitchen sinks.
How do you pronounce it?
nagashidai
Did you know?
- Many Japanese kitchens feature a 三角コーナー (sankaku kōnā), or 'triangle corner', which is a small plastic strainer that sits in the 流し to collect food scraps.
- When talking about the physical drain part of the sink, Japanese speakers often use the word 排水口 (haisuikou), which literally means 'water discharge mouth'.
- Japanese households often have a separate 洗面台 (senmendai) for washing faces and hands, which is distinct from the 流し台 used for dishes.
Examples in context
- 洗面所には新しい洗面器が設置されました。At the washroom, a new sink has been installed.
- 台所の流しで野菜を洗ってください。Please wash the vegetables in the kitchen sink.
- 洗面所に流し台があります。There is a sink in the washroom.
- 新しい流し台が届きました。Atarashii nagashidai ga todokimashita.A new sink has arrived.
- 流し台をきれいに掃除してください。Nagashidai o kirei ni souji shite kudasai.Please clean the sink thoroughly.
- 流し台の下に収納があります。Nagashidai no shita ni shuunou ga arimasu.There is storage under the sink.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are checking the kitchen in a new apartment.
- 蓮 Renこの流し台、とても広くていいですね。Kono nagashidai, totemo hirokute ii desu ne.This sink is very spacious and nice, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、使いやすそうです。Hai, tsukaiyasusou desu.Yes, it looks easy to use.
- 蓮 Ren流し台の横に棚も欲しいです。Nagashidai no yoko ni tana mo hoshii desu.I also want a shelf next to the sink.
- 陽葵 Himariそうですね、検討しましょう。Sou desu ne, kentou shimashou.You're right, let's consider it.
