Translation guide
The English word "cleaner" can refer to a person, a substance, a device, or a shop. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Referring to a person whose job is cleaning, such as in an office, hotel, or house.
General term for a cleaning staff member, often used in professional contexts like offices or buildings.
清掃員が毎朝オフィスを掃除します。
The cleaner cleans the office every morning.
Casual way to say "cleaning person." Common in everyday speech.
掃除の人が来る前に片付けよう。
Let's tidy up before the cleaner comes.
Specifically a female cleaner. Somewhat dated; use 清掃員 for gender neutrality.
掃除婦が廊下をモップがけしていた。
The cleaning lady was mopping the hallway.
Referring to a substance used for cleaning, like detergent, bleach, or spray.
General word for detergent or cleaning agent. Use for laundry, dishes, or household cleaning liquids/powders.
この洗剤は油汚れによく効く。
This cleaner works well on grease.
Loanword from English, often used for specific products like glass cleaner or bathroom cleaner. Often part of a compound.
Specifically bleach or whitening cleaner. Use only when you mean bleach.
Referring to a tool or machine for cleaning, like a vacuum cleaner or pressure washer.
Vacuum cleaner. The most common cleaning device.
新しい掃除機は静かで軽い。
The new cleaner is quiet and light.
Used in compound words for various cleaning devices, e.g., スチームクリーナー (steam cleaner), 高圧洗浄機 (pressure washer, but often called 高圧クリーナー).
Referring to a shop where clothes are dry-cleaned.
Most common way to say dry cleaner's shop. Casual and widely understood.
クリーニング屋にスーツを取りに行く。
I'm going to pick up my suit from the cleaner's.
Slightly more formal term for a dry cleaning shop.
あのクリーニング店は仕上がりが早い。
That cleaner has fast turnaround.
The loanword クリーナー usually refers to a cleaning product or device, not a person. For a person who cleans, use 清掃員 or 掃除の人.
洗剤 is the general word for detergent (laundry, dishes, etc.). クリーナー is often used in compound words for specific cleaners (e.g., ガラスクリーナー) or devices. When in doubt, 洗剤 is safer for cleaning liquids/powders.
ガラスクリーナーを買ってきて。
Buy some glass cleaner.
漂白剤を使うときは換気をしてください。
Please ventilate when using bleach cleaner.
スチームクリーナーで床を消毒した。
I sanitized the floor with a steam cleaner.