洗う

• Reading: あらう
• Romaji: arau
• Kanji breakdown: 洗 (sen/ara) — to wash, to cleanse
• Pronunciation: /a.ɾa.ɯ/

Meaning

To wash; to cleanse; to rinse. Used for washing hands, dishes, clothes, and more.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the う ending (洗って, 洗った, 洗います). One of the first verbs children learn in Japan, especially 手を洗う (wash your hands). Also used figuratively in expressions like 足を洗う (to quit a shady business, literally 'wash one's feet').

Examples

1. ご飯の前に手を洗いましょう。 Let's wash our hands before eating.
2. 毎日お皿を洗っています。 I wash the dishes every day.
3. 車を洗いたいです。 I want to wash the car.

Usage Guide

Context: hygiene, housework, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 洗 combines 氵 (water radical) with 先 (before/ahead), suggesting water flowing forward to cleanse. The meaning of washing with water has been central since the character's creation.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal