Translation guide
The act of washing something before the main wash, such as prewashing dishes, laundry, or produce. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on what is being prewashed and the context.
To rinse or lightly wash dishes before putting them in the dishwasher or doing the main wash.
General term for prewashing, often used for dishes. Literally 'pre-wash'.
食器を予洗いしてから食洗機に入れてください。
Please prewash the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Means 'to wash lightly', often used for a quick rinse or prewash.
汚れがひどい皿は軽く洗ってからつけ置きします。
For heavily soiled dishes, I lightly wash them before soaking.
Means 'to rinse quickly', suitable when you just need to remove loose food particles.
食べ終わったら、お皿をさっとすすいでください。
After eating, please give the plates a quick rinse.
To treat stains or run a short wash cycle before the main laundry wash.
Same term as for dishes; also used for laundry prewash cycles.
洗濯機の予洗いコースを使うと、泥汚れがよく落ちます。
Using the prewash cycle on the washing machine removes mud stains well.
Literally 'under-wash', often used for pre-treating stains by hand before machine washing.
襟の汚れは下洗いしてから洗濯機に入れます。
I prewash the collar stains before putting it in the washing machine.
Means 'spot washing', used when treating specific stained areas before the main wash.
シミがついた部分を部分洗いしてから洗濯します。
I spot-wash the stained area before doing the laundry.
To rinse or wash produce before eating or cooking.
Simple and common way to say 'wash with water', used for produce.
野菜は食べる前に水でよく洗ってください。
Please wash the vegetables well with water before eating.
Means 'to give a quick water wash', often used for a light rinse.
イチゴはさっと水洗いしてからヘタを取ります。
I give the strawberries a quick rinse before removing the stems.