Translation and Meaning of: 洗濯 - sentaku

The Japanese word 洗濯[せんたく] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural context. If you are looking for reliable information about 洗濯, you are in the right place – Suki Nihongo is the best Japanese dictionary for students and curious minds.

Meaning and usage of 洗濯 [せんたく]

洗濯 [せんたく] means "laundry" or "washing" in Japanese. It is a common word in daily vocabulary, especially in domestic contexts. Unlike Portuguese, where "lavar" can refer to any type of cleaning, 洗濯 is more specific, directly related to clothes and fabrics.

In Japan, the word is often used in everyday conversations, such as when asking "洗濯物は乾いた？" (Has the laundry dried?). Its simplicity and practical application make it an essential term for anyone looking to communicate in Japanese, whether at home or while traveling.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The kanjis that compose 洗濯 have meanings related to cleanliness. The first, 洗, means "to wash" or "to rinse," while 濯 can be translated as "rinse" or "to purify." Together, they reinforce the idea of deep cleanliness, especially of fabrics.

It is interesting to note that, although both kanjis have more complex readings, the combination せんたく is one of the easiest to remember for students. The pronunciation is straightforward, without complicated tonal changes, making learning easier.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 洗濯 is to associate it with everyday actions. For example, think of the laundry routine – sorting, washing, drying. Repeating the word while performing these tasks can help embed it in your memory. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "今日は洗濯をする日です" (Today is laundry day).

In addition, it is worth remembering that 洗濯 is a noun but can be transformed into a verb with the addition of する (to do). Thus, 洗濯する means "to wash clothes." This flexibility makes the word even more useful in real conversations, allowing you to use it in different situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 洗い (arai) - washing act, wash
• 洗浄 (senjō) - cleaning, purification, generally refers to washing something to remove dirt or impurities
• 洗う (arau) - to wash, the act of cleaning something with water and/or detergent
• 洗剤 (senzai) - detergent, chemical product used for washing
• 洗濯物 (sentakumono) - dirty laundry to wash, items that need to be washed

洗濯

Romaji: sentaku
Kana: せんたく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: washing; laundry

Meaning in English: washing;laundry

Definition: To remove dirt from clothes and cloths by washing them with water and detergent.

Example Sentences - (洗濯) sentaku

See below some example sentences:

このセーターは洗濯したら縮んでしまった。

Kono seetaa wa sentaku shitara chijinde shimatta

This shirt shrunk when I washed it.

This sweater has shrunk when washed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• セーター - noun that means "sweater"
• は - partopic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this sweater"
• 洗濯したら - verb 洗濯する (sentaku suru) in the past conditional, meaning "if I washed"
• 縮んでしまった - The verb 縮む (chijimu) in the past, which means "shrank", and the auxiliary しまう (shimau) indicating that the action was completed.

衣類を洗濯する必要があります。

Iirui wo sentaku suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to wash the clothes.

You need to wash your clothes.

• 衣類 - clothes
• を - object particle
• 洗濯する - to wash
• 必要があります - Is required

洗濯物を干すのはいい運動になる。

Sentaku mono wo hosu no wa ii undou ni naru

Hanging clothes out to dry is good exercise.

Drying clothes is good exercise.

• 洗濯物 - clothes to wash
• を - object particle
• 干す - dry
• のは - Topic particle
• いい - good
• 運動 - exercise
• に - target particle
• なる - become