掃き掃除

• Reading: はきそうじ
• Romaji: hakisouji
• Kanji breakdown: 掃き (haki) — sweeping; 掃除 (souji) — cleaning
• Pronunciation: /ha.ki.soː.d͡ʑi/

Meaning

Sweeping; cleaning with a broom. The act of using a broom to clean floors, paths, or outdoor areas.

A noun (also する verb) describing the specific task of sweeping with a broom or brush. Distinct from general cleaning (掃除), it emphasises the use of a broom. Common in descriptions of morning routines, shrine upkeep, and seasonal cleaning. In Japan, sweeping the area in front of one's home is considered a courtesy to neighbours.

Examples

1. 朝起きたらまず玄関の前の掃き掃除をするのが習慣になっている。 It has become a habit of mine to sweep the area in front of the entrance first thing in the morning.
2. 神社の境内では毎朝早くから掃き掃除が行われている。 Early every morning, sweeping takes place in the grounds of the shrine.
3. 落ち葉の多い秋は掃き掃除が大変だが、終わると気持ちがいい。 Autumn with its many fallen leaves makes sweeping a chore, but once it's done it feels wonderful.

Usage Guide

Context: household, cleaning, daily routine, shrines

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 掃き (haki, sweeping) and 掃除 (souji, cleaning). The repeated sweep-related characters emphasise the specific broom-based nature of the task.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal