Translation guide
The English phrase 'clearing away' refers to removing objects, obstacles, or unwanted items from a space, often to tidy up. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is being cleared and the context. Common verbs include 片付ける (to tidy up/put away), 取り除く (to remove/eliminate), and どける (to move something out of the way).
To clear away clutter, dishes, toys, etc., by putting them in their proper place.
The most common verb for tidying up or putting things away. It implies organizing and returning items to where they belong.
Clear away your toys.
Please clear away the dishes.
Means to put something away into storage or its designated place. Often used for putting things back after use.
Clear away the books onto the shelf.
To clear away something that is in the way, such as snow, debris, or an obstruction.
Means to remove or eliminate something unwanted. Suitable for physical objects, obstacles, or abstract things like doubts.
Please clear away the snow.
Casual verb meaning to move something out of the way. Often used in spoken Japanese.
Formal term for removal or dismantling, often used for structures, equipment, or official removal operations.
They cleared away illegally dumped garbage.
Specifically removing dishes, leftovers, and utensils from the dining table.
Metaphorical use: to dispel or remove mental obstacles.
片付ける focuses on tidying up a space or putting things in order, while しまう emphasizes putting a specific item back into its designated storage. You can 片付ける a room, but you しまう a book into a shelf.
Directly translating 'clear away' as クリアする or きれいにする is often unnatural. Use context-appropriate verbs like 片付ける or 取り除く.
We need to clear away the obstacles.
Clear away that chair.
After dinner, I cleared away the table.
Those words cleared away my anxiety.