Translation guide
The act of cleaning or removing something by rubbing with a cloth, paper, etc. In Japanese, the most common verbs are 拭く (fuku) for general wiping and 拭う (nuguu) for wiping away liquids or marks. The choice depends on what is being wiped and the nuance.
To clean a surface or object by rubbing with a cloth, towel, etc.
The most common verb for wiping something clean or dry. Used for tables, dishes, windows, etc.
Please wipe the table.
窓を拭いた。
I wiped the window.
To wipe off/away completely. Emphasizes removal of dirt or liquid.
汚れを拭き取る。
Wipe off the dirt.
To remove liquid, tears, sweat, or marks by wiping.
To dry or clean one's body or hands by wiping.
Standard verb for wiping hands, face, or body with a towel.
手をタオルで拭いた。
I wiped my hands with a towel.
お風呂上がりに体を拭く。
Wipe your body after a bath.
To eliminate or erase something completely, often used figuratively.
拭く (fuku) is the general verb for wiping surfaces, objects, and body parts. 拭う (nuguu) is more specific to wiping away liquids or marks, and often carries a slightly more formal or emotional tone. For everyday wiping, 拭く is safer.
机を拭く (general) vs 涙を拭う (tears)
Wipe the desk vs wipe away tears
The loanword ワイプ is used as a noun for a wipe (like a cleaning cloth) or in video editing (wipe transition), but not as a verb. Use 拭く instead.