Translation guide
The English word 'washout' can refer to a failure or disappointment, the erosion of earth by water, or a medical procedure. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To describe an event, plan, or person that is a complete failure or disappointment.
General word for failure or mistake. Can be used for events, plans, or people.
To describe the washing away of earth, soil, or a road by heavy rain or flooding.
Technical term for erosion or scouring by water, often used for roads or foundations.
To refer to the washing out of a body cavity or wound, such as a stomach washout.
General medical term for irrigation or washing out.
Do not translate 'washout' literally as 洗い流し (arai-nagashi) when meaning a failure. Use 失敗 (shippai) or 駄目 (dame) instead.
その計画は完全な失敗だった。
That plan was a complete washout.
Casual word meaning 'no good' or 'useless'. Often used to describe a person or thing that is a failure.
He's a washout.
Formal word for failure or lack of success. More common in written or formal contexts.
The attempt ended in a washout.
The road was washed out by heavy rain.
Passive form of 'to wash away'. Commonly used to describe soil or objects being carried away by water.
The soil was washed out by the rain.
Passive form of 'to erode'. Used for gradual erosion by water, wind, etc.
The coastline is being washed out by the waves.
They performed a stomach washout.
To wash out or flush out. Can be used in medical or general contexts.
They washed out the wound with antiseptic.