Translation guide
The English verb 'cleanse' often implies a thorough, purifying, or ritual cleaning, distinct from everyday 'clean'. This guide helps learners express these nuances in Japanese.
To make something pure or free from contaminants, often with a ritual or deep-cleaning connotation.
The most direct equivalent for spiritual or ritual purification. Often used in religious or ceremonial contexts.
Purify your hands at the shrine.
Stand under a waterfall to cleanse the spirit.
Often used for purification of water, air, or the environment, as well as spiritual cleansing. More technical than 清める.
This device cleanses water.
Cleanse the mind through meditation.
Means 'to wash' or 'to clean' thoroughly, often used for medical or mechanical cleaning. Less spiritual nuance.
Cleanse the wound.
To remove toxins from the body, often through diet or special treatments.
To remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, often as part of a beauty routine.
To remove unwanted or malicious elements from data or a computer system.
掃除する (そうじする) means 'to clean' in the sense of tidying up a room or wiping surfaces. It lacks the purifying or deep-cleaning nuance of 'cleanse'. Use it only for physical cleaning of spaces.
Clean the room.
This juice has a cleansing effect on the body.