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.
新しい掃除機を買った。
I bought a new vacuum cleaner.
掃除機が壊れた。
The vacuum cleaner broke.
Loanword from English. Less common than 掃除機, but understood. Sometimes used in product names.
このバキュームクリーナーは吸引力が強い。
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'.
毎日掃除機をかけます。
I vacuum every day.
リビングに掃除機をかけてください。
Please vacuum the living room.
Literally 'to suck with a vacuum cleaner'. Used when emphasizing the suction action, e.g., for small debris.
こぼしたコーヒー豆を掃除機で吸った。
I vacuumed up the spilled coffee beans.
General word for 'to clean'. Can imply vacuuming if context is clear, but not specific.
Not specific to vacuuming; can mean any cleaning.
部屋を掃除する。
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.