Translation guide
A container for household waste, typically indoors. In Japanese, the most common word is ゴミ箱 (gomi-bako). There are also specific terms for outdoor collection bins, recycling containers, and public litter bins.
A small container kept in a room for throwing away everyday trash like paper, packaging, or food scraps.
The standard, everyday word for a rubbish bin or trash can used indoors. Suitable for any room in the house.
The rubbish bin is full.
Please empty the kitchen rubbish bin.
Literally 'waste basket', often used for paper waste or small bins in offices or studies. Slightly more specific than ゴミ箱.
I keep a waste basket next to my desk.
A large container placed outside for household waste collection, often with a lid, used for putting out trash on collection days.
A general term for a container used to hold garbage, often referring to the large bins with lids used for outdoor collection. More formal than ゴミ箱.
Please put the rubbish bin out at the collection point.
A plastic bucket-style container commonly used for storing and putting out household garbage. Very common in residential areas.
A bin found in public places like streets, parks, or stations for disposing of small litter.
Also used for public litter bins, though they are less common in Japan. Often seen in stations or convenience stores.
I threw the empty can in the litter bin at the station.
Literally 'waste receptacle', often used for small public bins or ashtray stands with a waste compartment. Somewhat dated or formal.
A container specifically for recyclable materials like cans, bottles, or paper.
In Japanese, ゴミ箱 covers both indoor bins and small public bins. For large outdoor wheelie bins, use ゴミ容器 or describe the specific type (e.g., ポリバケツ). There is no single word that perfectly matches the British 'dustbin' or American 'trash can' in all contexts.
In Japan, household waste is typically taken out on specific collection days and placed in designated netted areas or directly in ポリバケツ. The phrase ゴミを出す (gomi o dasu) means 'to take out the rubbish'.
ポリバケツにゴミを入れて、外に出す。
Put the rubbish in the plastic bin and take it outside.
公園のくず入れにペットボトルを入れた。
I put the plastic bottle in the litter bin at the park.
Separate cans and bottles into the sorting bins.