Translation guide
How to express 'wash away' in Japanese, covering physical removal by water, emotional cleansing, and figurative erasure.
To remove dirt, stains, or objects by washing with water.
The most direct and common way to say 'wash away' for physical dirt or substances. Used for washing off mud, soap, etc.
I washed away the mud.
I wash away sweat in the shower.
To flush or rinse away, often with water. Used for lighter washing or when the focus is on the flowing action.
Rinse your mouth with water.
To wash off, emphasizing removal of something stuck on. Similar to 洗い流す but slightly more forceful.
Wash off the paint.
Literally 'flush with water'. Used for washing away debris or light dirt, often in cleaning contexts.
I hosed the mud away.
When water or waves gradually remove land, structures, or objects.
To sweep away, often by a strong current or flood. Used for bridges, cars, people being carried away by water.
The flood washed away the house.
To erode, often by water or wind. More technical, used for coastlines or soil.
The waves are washing away the coastline.
Literary or poetic expression for washing away completely, often used figuratively or in written language.
To remove guilt, bad feelings, or memories, often metaphorically.
Also used metaphorically for washing away emotions, sins, or bad memories. Very common.
I want to wash away my guilt.
To purify or cleanse spiritually. Often used in religious or ritual contexts.
To forget completely, to leave behind. Implies washing away from memory.
To eliminate evidence, doubts, or problems as if by washing.
To cancel out, wipe the slate clean. Often used for debts, mistakes, or negative records.
The debt was washed away.
To sweep away, eliminate completely. Used for doubts, corruption, or problems.
Wash away doubts.
To erase completely, wipe out. Stronger than 消す.
洗い流す is for intentional washing away of dirt or emotions. 押し流す is for being swept away by an external force like a flood. Do not use 押し流す for washing your hands.
Do not use 洗う (arau) alone for 'wash away'. 洗う means 'to wash' but does not include the 'away' nuance. Use compound verbs like 洗い流す or 洗い落とす.
I washed the mud. (unnatural for 'washed away')
The rain washed away the chalk drawings.
He tried to wash away his sins.
時の流れがすべてを洗い去る。
The flow of time washes everything away.
Tears washed away my sadness.
心を清める。
Purify one's heart.
I want to wash away the past.
Wash away the evidence.