Translation and Meaning of: 洗面 - senmen

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 洗面 (せんめん). It appears in everyday contexts, especially in bathrooms and personal hygiene areas. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical use of this word, along with some interesting facts that may help with memorization. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great reference.

Meaning and use of 洗面

洗面 (せんめん) is a compound word made up of the kanji 洗 (to wash) and 面 (face), literally meaning "to wash the face". In Japan, it is often associated with sinks and specific areas for personal hygiene. You will find this term in public restrooms, hotels, and even in instructions for beauty products.

An interesting detail is that, although the meaning is straightforward, the use of 洗面 goes beyond the act of washing the face. In many cases, it refers to the physical space where this happens, such as the bathroom sink. For example, 洗面台 (せんめんだい) means "washbasin."

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 洗面 has a simple and logical structure. The kanji 洗 (sen) comes from the verb 洗う (arau), which means "to wash." Meanwhile, 面 (men) represents "face" or "surface." This combination is common in terms related to hygiene in Japanese, showing how the language often combines concrete ideas to form words.

It is worth noting that both kanjis have Chinese origins but were integrated into Japanese centuries ago. The radical of 洗, for example, is 氵 (indicating water), which reinforces its connection to the action of washing. 面 appears in other words such as 面白い (omoshiroi - interesting), although with a different meaning.

Cultural context and memorization tips

In Japan, personal hygiene is taken very seriously, and 洗面 is part of this daily ritual. Many Japanese people wash their faces right after waking up, following a routine that even includes specific methods to avoid skin irritation. This habit is part of a culture that values cleanliness and personal appearance.

To memorize the word, one tip is to associate the sound "senmen" with the act of using a sink (sen) to wash the face (men). Another strategy is to remember expressions like 洗面器 (せんめんき), which means "washbasin." These connections help to solidify vocabulary in a practical way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 洗顔 (Senmen) - Face washing; the act of cleaning the face.
• 顔を洗う (Kao o arau) - Washing the face; the action of cleaning the face, usually with water.
• 顔を清める (Kao o kiyomeru) - Purify the face; more related to cleaning or purifying in a spiritual or symbolic sense.

洗面

Romaji: senmen
Kana: せんめん
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: Wash the dishes (someone's face)

Meaning in English: wash up (one's face);have a wash

Definition: Wash your face and hands.

Example Sentences - (洗面) senmen

See below some example sentences:

洗面所に行って顔を洗いました。

Sennmenjo ni itte kao wo araimashita

I went to the bathroom and washed my face.

• 洗面所 - It means "bathroom" or "restroom".
• に - it is a particle that indicates the place where the action occurs, in this case, "in the bathroom".
• 行って - It is the conjugation of the verb "ir" in the past, indicating that the person went to the bathroom.
• 顔 - It means "face".
• を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "washed the face".
• 洗いました - it is the past form of the verb "lavar", indicating that the person washed their face.