Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "wash out" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean removing a stain, cleaning a container, canceling an event due to weather, or something else.
To clean something so that a stain or dirt is gone, often from fabric.
The most direct equivalent, meaning to wash off or wash out a stain. It's a compound verb combining 'wash' and 'drop/remove'.
I washed out the mud stains.
A more transparent phrase meaning 'wash and remove'. Slightly less compact but very clear.
Can this stain be washed out?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to come out' (of a stain). Use when the stain is the subject.
This dirt won't wash out even if I wash it.
To remove residue from a cup, bottle, or other container by rinsing with water.
Means to rinse out. Commonly used for cups, bottles, and mouths.
Please wash out the cup.
Rinse out one's mouth.
Similar to すすぐ, often used for rinsing out containers or mouths. Slightly more colloquial.
Literally 'wash the inside'. A simple alternative when the specific verb is unknown.
I washed out the bottle and dried it.
When an outdoor event is canceled or spoiled because of rain.
Common expression meaning an event is 'washed out' by rain. Literally 'flow away due to rain'.
The sports day was washed out by rain.
More straightforward: 'canceled due to rain'. Less idiomatic but perfectly clear.
The game was washed out by rain.
Very casual/slangy way to say something is ruined or spoiled by rain. Use only in informal contexts.
The picnic got washed out by the rain.
When colors become pale or disappear due to washing.
To make someone feel extremely tired or drained.
When soil, land, or a structure is gradually removed by flowing water.
The verb 洗い流す (あらいながす) means 'to wash away' but often implies using a stream of water to carry something away, like washing dirt off a car or body. It's not always the best fit for 'wash out' a stain or container.
Wash out the plastic bottle before throwing it away.
The color washed out in the laundry.
大雨で橋が流された。
The bridge was washed out by heavy rain.