Translation guide
A container for small amounts of trash, typically indoors. In Japanese, the most common word is ごみ箱, but other terms exist for different contexts.
A container for throwing away small items like paper, tissues, or packaging, usually found in homes, offices, or hotel rooms.
The standard, everyday word for a wastebasket or trash can. Used in homes, offices, and most indoor settings.
Please put a wastebasket next to the desk.
This wastebasket is full.
Literally 'scrap basket'. Often used for paper waste, especially in offices. Slightly more specific than ごみ箱.
Please throw away unnecessary documents in the wastebasket.
Loanword from English 'dust box'. Used in some product names or commercial settings, but less common in daily speech.
Please empty the dust box.
A container specifically for recyclable or sorted waste, often color-coded or labeled.
A wastebasket for separating trash. Use this when you need to specify a bin for recycling or sorting.
Please put plastic bottles in the recycling wastebasket.
Specifically a recycling box. Often used in public spaces or offices for recyclables.
Empty cans go in the recycling box.
A very small container for trash, often in a bedroom or bathroom.
A small wastebasket for sanitary items, typically found in bathrooms. Also used for diaper disposal.
There is a sanitary wastebasket in the restroom.
Literally 'small item container'. Can be used for a tiny wastebasket on a desk or vanity, but it's not specifically for trash.
ごみ箱 is the general term for any trash can or wastebasket. くずかご specifically refers to a basket for paper scraps or waste, often found in offices. In daily conversation, ごみ箱 is more common.
I want to buy a wastebasket.
Put paper scraps in the wastebasket.
For large outdoor garbage cans or dumpsters, use ゴミ箱 (same reading) or more specific terms like ダストボックス (large container) or コンテナ. ごみ箱 usually implies a small indoor bin.
Where is the wastebasket?
I need a wastebasket for my room.
化粧台の小物入れに綿を捨てる。
I throw cotton pads in the small bin on the vanity.