ごみ箱
gomibako[ɡo̞mʲiba̠ko̞]
The Japanese phrase for "trash can" is ごみ箱 (gomibako).
ごみ箱 is the general term for a container used to hold waste materials. If you are specifically referring to recycling bins, use リサイクル箱 or use 可燃ゴミ箱 for bins used specifically for combustible waste.
How do you pronounce it?
gomibako
Did you know?
- While ごみ箱 are common indoors, you will find almost no public trash cans on the streets of Japanese cities.
- In some contexts, the word ごみ can also be used as a harsh insult to describe a person, similar to calling someone 'garbage' in English.
- The word ごみ originates from the word for 'dust', but in modern Japanese, it covers everything from food waste to old electronics.
Examples in context
- ごみ箱はどこですか？Gomibako wa doko desu ka?Where is the trash can?
- 新しいごみ箱を買いました。Atarashii gomibako o kaimashita.I bought a new trash can.
- そのごみ箱はとても大きいです。Sono gomibako wa totemo ookii desu.That trash can is very big.
Example conversation
In a living room, looking for a place to throw away candy wrappers.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、ごみ箱はどこにある？Himari, gomibako wa doko ni aru?Himari, where is the trash can?
- 陽葵 Himariあそこにあるよ、大翔。Asoko ni aru yo, Hiroto.It's over there, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。助かったよ。Arigatou. Tasukatta yo.Thanks. That helps.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, douitashimashite.No problem, you're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ごみ箱, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
