Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'garbage can' varies based on context, such as the type of waste, location (indoor/outdoor), and formality. The most common general term is ごみ箱, but other words are used for public bins, sorting, and specific containers.
A container for household or office waste, typically small and kept indoors.
The most common and neutral word for a trash can or garbage can, used in homes and offices.
ごみ箱がいっぱいになった。
The garbage can is full.
新しいごみ箱を買った。
I bought a new garbage can.
Literally 'waste basket', often used for paper waste or small bins in offices. Slightly more specific than ごみ箱.
くずかごに紙を捨てた。
I threw the paper in the wastebasket.
A container for waste in public places like streets, parks, or stations.
Commonly used for public trash bins, especially those provided by municipalities.
駅のごみ入れに空き缶を入れた。
I put the empty can in the trash bin at the station.
Also used for public bins, though ごみ入れ is more specific to public settings.
公園のごみ箱はいつもきれいだ。
The garbage cans in the park are always clean.
A large bin or can for collecting household waste before pickup, often kept outside.
Refers to a large container for garbage, often used for outdoor storage or collection points.
ごみ容器を道路に出した。
I put the garbage container out on the street.
A garbage bucket or can, often with a handle, used for temporary storage.
ごみバケツに生ごみを入れた。
I put kitchen waste in the garbage bucket.
A container designated for specific types of recyclable waste.
A box or bin for recyclables, often seen in public places or offices.
ペットボトルはリサイクルボックスに入れてください。
Please put plastic bottles in the recycling box.
A trash can for sorted waste, emphasizing separation of different materials.
分別ごみ箱が設置されている。
Sorted garbage cans are provided.
ごみ箱 is the general term for any trash can, indoor or outdoor. ごみ入れ is more formal and often used for public bins. ごみ容器 refers to larger containers, typically for outdoor collection.
台所のごみ箱を空にした。
I emptied the kitchen garbage can.
街角のごみ入れが撤去された。
The trash bins on the street corner were removed.
ごみ容器はカラスに荒らされないように蓋をした。
I put a lid on the garbage container so crows wouldn't mess with it.
If you're unsure which word to use, ごみ箱 is safe and widely understood for any kind of garbage can. It's the default choice in everyday conversation.