Translation guide
The English word 'scouring' can refer to cleaning by rubbing hard, searching thoroughly, or causing erosion. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To clean something by rubbing it vigorously, often with a brush or abrasive, to remove dirt or stains.
General verb for polishing or scrubbing to make something clean and shiny. Used for surfaces, teeth, shoes, etc.
To scrub or rub something, often with a brush or cloth. Emphasizes the physical action of rubbing.
I scour the floor to remove the dirt.
To wash off or scrub away dirt. Often used when the focus is on removing something.
I scour off the grease.
To scrub vigorously, often with a back-and-forth motion. Onomatopoeic and casual.
I scoured the pot vigorously.
To search an area or source of information very carefully and completely.
To search thoroughly. A straightforward and common phrase.
The police scoured the area.
He scoured the internet for information.
To search every nook and cranny; to leave no stone unturned. Slightly more literary.
They scoured the forest.
To investigate everything thoroughly, leaving nothing out. Often used for documents or records.
To wear away or remove material by the action of water, wind, or other natural forces.
In English, 'scour' implies vigorous scrubbing. In Japanese, 磨く (みがく) can be used for polishing, but for light wiping, use 拭く (ふく) instead.
To go around searching; implies moving from place to place.
He scoured the city for a job.
The accountant scoured the books.
The wind scours the rocks.
To wash away; emphasizes the removal of material by flowing water.
The flood scoured away the topsoil.