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.
机の横にごみ箱を置いてください。
Please put a wastebasket next to the desk.
このごみ箱はいっぱいです。
This wastebasket is full.
Literally 'scrap basket'. Often used for paper waste, especially in offices. Slightly more specific than ごみ箱.
いらない書類はくずかごに捨ててください。
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.
ダストボックスを空にしてください。
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.
ペットボトルは分別用のごみ箱に入れてください。
Please put plastic bottles in the recycling wastebasket.
Specifically a recycling box. Often used in public spaces or offices for recyclables.
空き缶はリサイクルボックスへ。
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.
トイレにサニタリーボックスがあります。
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.
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.
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.
ごみ箱を買いたい。
I want to buy a wastebasket.
くずかごに紙くずを入れる。
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.
ごみ箱はどこですか？
Where is the wastebasket?
部屋にごみ箱が必要です。
I need a wastebasket for my room.