Translation guide
The English verb 'wash' covers cleaning with water, flowing water, and personal hygiene. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being washed and how.
To clean something using water, soap, etc., such as dishes, a car, or clothes.
The most common verb for washing objects. Used for dishes, cars, hands, vegetables, etc.
皿を洗う。
I wash the dishes.
手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands.
To wash clothes or fabric items, typically in a washing machine or by hand.
Specifically for washing laundry. The noun 洗濯 means 'laundry' or 'washing clothes'.
毎日洗濯する。
I do laundry every day.
このシャツは洗濯機で洗えますか？
Can this shirt be washed in a washing machine?
Can also be used for washing clothes, but 洗濯する is more specific and common for laundry.
ジーンズを洗う。
I wash my jeans.
To wash one's body, face, hair, etc., in a bath, shower, or at a sink.
Used for washing specific body parts like face, hands, hair.
Means 'to take a shower', implying washing the whole body. Not a direct translation of 'wash', but often used in similar contexts.
朝シャワーを浴びる。
I take a shower in the morning.
Literally 'wash one's body'. Used when specifically talking about washing the body, e.g., in a bath.
お風呂で体を洗う。
I wash my body in the bath.
To be removed or carried off by the action of water, often unintentionally.
Describing the motion of water, such as waves hitting the shore or water flowing over something.
Use 洗う for washing objects or body parts. Use 洗濯する specifically for laundry. Saying 服を洗う is possible but 洗濯する is more natural for the act of doing laundry.
English 'wash' can mean 'to be convincing' (e.g., 'That excuse won't wash'). This is not translated with 洗う. Use 通じる or 通用する instead.
Compound verb meaning 'to wash off' or 'to rinse away'. Emphasizes cleaning by washing.
泥を洗い流す。
I wash off the mud.
波が岸に打ち寄せる。
The waves wash against the shore.