Translation guide
The English phrase 'sweep away' can mean physically removing something by sweeping, eliminating something completely, or emotionally overwhelming someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To clean or clear an area by using a broom or similar motion to push dirt, dust, or objects aside.
Literally 'sweep out', used for sweeping dirt or debris out of a room or area.
Please sweep away the sand at the entrance.
Means 'sweep together' or 'sweep into a pile', often used when gathering debris before disposal.
I swept away the fallen leaves and put them in a bag.
A more literary or formal term meaning 'sweep clean', implying thorough removal of dirt.
They swept the garden clean and welcomed the guests.
To remove something abstract or concrete entirely, such as doubts, obstacles, or old systems.
Means 'sweep away' or 'clean up' in a figurative sense, often used for eliminating corruption, doubts, or problems.
The new president swept away the corruption within the company.
The news swept away our anxiety.
Literally 'wipe away', used for removing negative things like doubts, fears, or bad images. Slightly formal.
General term for 'remove' or 'get rid of', applicable to both physical and abstract obstacles.
Means 'exterminate' or 'wipe out', used for enemies, pests, or strongly negative forces. Stronger and more aggressive than 一掃.
They fought to sweep away the enemy.
To cause someone to be carried away by strong emotion, such as excitement, passion, or nostalgia.
Literally 'have one's heart stolen', meaning to be captivated or swept away by beauty, charm, or emotion.
I was swept away by her singing voice.
Means 'to be enveloped in emotion', often used when deeply moved by an experience.
Means 'to become absorbed' or 'to be crazy about', implying being swept away by enthusiasm or passion.
Means 'to be intoxicated' or 'enraptured', often used for artistic or aesthetic experiences. Formal/literary.
He was swept away by the beautiful music.
To have something carried away or destroyed by wind, flood, or similar force.
Means 'to wash away' or 'sweep away' by water or strong current.
The flood swept away the house.
Means 'to blow away' by wind, often used for light objects or figuratively for clearing away something.
Means 'to sweep away' or 'carry off' by water, often used for people or objects being dragged by waves or currents. Can also mean 'to dredge'.
Both mean 'sweep away' figuratively. 一掃する is used for large-scale elimination (corruption, crime), while 払拭する is more about clearing away intangible things like doubts or bad reputations. 払拭する is more formal and often used in written language.
Do not directly translate 'sweep away' as 掃く (to sweep) plus 去る (to leave) or similar combinations. Use the established phrases above. For physical sweeping, 掃く alone means 'to sweep', but to express 'away' you need a compound verb like 掃き出す or 掃き集める.
His speech swept away people's concerns.
Let's sweep away the obstacles and move the project forward.
I was swept away by emotion at the movie's final scene.
He is swept away by his new hobby.
The strong wind swept away the tent.
The waves swept away the child.