How to Say "Take a Shower" in Japanese

シャワーを浴びる

shawā o abiru

To take a shower in Japanese is シャワーを浴びる (shawā o abiru).

The phrase is used to describe the act of washing one's body by standing under a spray of water.

What does it mean word for word?

The verb part, 浴びる, literally means to bathe in, to pour over oneself or to be bathed in (such as light or water).

Use シャワーを浴びる specifically when you mean using a shower.

shawā o abiru

The verb 浴びる (abiru) can also be used figuratively to mean being showered with something negative, such as receiving 'criticism' or 'blame' in a professional setting.
In Japan, it is customary to wash the entire body thoroughly before entering a bath, meaning シャワーを浴びる is often a prerequisite step rather than a standalone replacement for a bath.
While the phrase uses シャワー (shawā), you can also use the verb 浴びる (abiru) to describe receiving something intangible, such as 日光を浴びる (nikkō o abiru), which means to bask in the sunlight.

シャワーを浴びる。
I'll take a shower.
This sentence is useful for stating your intention to take a shower.
Tatoeba #8468049 by KK_kaku_, translation #53048 by CK
運動した後でシャワーを浴びると気分がさわやかになる。
It is refreshing to take a shower after exercising.
This sentence shows the refreshing feeling of showering after exercise.
Tatoeba #189415 by bunbuku, translation #26566 by al_ex_an_der
私は普段テニスをした後シャワーを浴びるが、今日はできなかった。
I usually take a shower after I play tennis, but today I couldn't.
This sentence describes a habit of showering after tennis and a situation where it was not possible to do so.
Tatoeba #237010 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #261497 by CK
シャワーを浴びようかな？
Shall I take a shower?
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

The siblings are getting ready for dinner.

陽葵 Himari

陽太、先にシャワーを浴びる？
Yōta, saki ni shawā o abiru?
Yōta, do you want to take a shower first?
陽太 Yota

いいよ。じゃあ、今からシャワーを浴びるね。
Ii yo. Jaa, ima kara shawā o abiru ne.
Sure. I'll take a shower now, then.
陽葵 Himari

お願い。終わったら教えて。
Onegai. Owattara oshiete.
Please. Let me know when you're finished.
陽太 Yota

わかった。すぐ終わらせるよ。
Wakatta. Sugu owaraseru yo.
Got it. I'll be quick.

Sources

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