掃除する
sōji suru
The English phrase 'sweep' can be translated into Japanese as 掃除する (sōji suru) or 掃く.
Meaning: to clean using a broom or brush (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 掃除する | sōji suru | |
| 掃く | haku | [ha̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
掃除する refers to the general act of cleaning or tidying up, whereas 掃く refers specifically to the physical action of sweeping, typically using a broom (known as ほうき or 'houki').
Which one should you use?
掃除する refers to the general act of cleaning or tidying up, whereas 掃く refers specifically to the physical action of sweeping with a broom.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 掃く can be conjugated into the polite form 掃きます or the past tense form 掃いた.
How do you pronounce it?
sōji suru
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that 掃く (to sweep) is a homophone of the verb 履く, which means to wear something on the lower body such as pants or shoes. While they sound the same, they use different kanji.
Did you know?
- The word 掃除 comes from Buddhist terminology, where it originally referred to 'removing' or 'sweeping away' worldly desires and mental impurities.
- In certain traditional contexts, the way one 'sweeps' (掃く) is considered a form of meditative practice, similar to Zen gardening, rather than just a chore.
- In Japanese culture, there is a traditional practice called 大掃除 or 'ōsōji', which is a deep cleaning performed at the end of the year to sweep away the bad luck of the previous year.
Examples in context
- 箒で床を掃くTo sweep the floor with a broomThis sentence is useful for showing how to use 掃く to describe sweeping a floor with a broom.
- 部屋を掃いています。I'm sweeping the room.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are cleaning the house together.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くん、ここを掃除してくれる？Ren-kun, koko o sōji shite kureru?Ren, can you sweep here?
- 蓮 Renいいよ。箒はどこにある？Ii yo. Hōki wa doko ni aru?Sure. Where is the broom?
- 美咲 Misakiあそこに置いてあるよ。Asoko ni oite aru yo.It's over there.
- 蓮 Renわかった。すぐに掃除するね。Wakatta. Sugu ni sōji suru ne.Got it. I'll sweep it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweep” translations and entries 掃く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
