Translation guide
The act of removing dust from surfaces, typically with a cloth or tool.
The general action of cleaning dust off furniture, shelves, etc.
Literally 'to remove dust'. A straightforward and common way to express dusting.
毎朝、棚のほこりを取ります。
I dust the shelves every morning.
Literally 'to wipe dust'. Emphasizes using a cloth to wipe away dust.
机の上のほこりを拭いてください。
Please dust the desk.
General cleaning. Dusting is often implied as part of cleaning, but it's not specific to dusting.
To use a feather duster. 'はたき' is a traditional Japanese dusting tool.
祖母は毎日はたきをかけます。
My grandmother dusts with a feather duster every day.
Applying a thin layer of powder, like flour or sugar.
To coat lightly with powder. Common in cooking contexts.
ケーキに粉砂糖をまぶす。
Dust the cake with powdered sugar.
To sprinkle powder over something. Slightly more casual than まぶす.
I clean the house on weekends (including dusting).
ドーナツにシナモンをふりかける。
Dust the donuts with cinnamon.