Translation guide
The most common word is 掃除機 (そうじき). In casual speech, 掃除機 is often shortened to そうじき. The loanword バキュームクリーナー exists but is less common.
Referring to the vacuum cleaner as a household appliance.
Standard word for vacuum cleaner. Used in all contexts.
I bought a new vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner broke.
Loanword from English. Less common than 掃除機, but understood. Sometimes used in product names.
This vacuum cleaner has strong suction.
Expressing the act of using a vacuum cleaner.
I need to vacuum the living room. · She vacuums every day.
Most common way to say 'to vacuum'. Literally 'to apply the vacuum cleaner'.
I vacuum every day.
Please vacuum the living room.
Literally 'to suck with a vacuum cleaner'. Used when emphasizing the suction action, e.g., for small debris.
General word for 'to clean'. Can imply vacuuming if context is clear, but not specific.
Not specific to vacuuming; can mean any cleaning.
I clean the room. (Could include vacuuming)
In casual conversation, 掃除機 is sometimes shortened to そうじき, but the kanji 掃除機 is still very common in writing.
I vacuumed up the spilled coffee beans.