Translation guide
The act of cleaning or removing something by rubbing with a cloth, paper, etc. In Japanese, the most common verbs are 拭く (fuku) for general wiping and 拭う (nuguu) for wiping away liquids or marks. The choice depends on what is being wiped and the nuance.
To clean a surface or object by rubbing with a cloth, towel, etc.
The most common verb for wiping something clean or dry. Used for tables, dishes, windows, etc.
テーブルを拭いてください。
Please wipe the table.
I wiped the window.
To wipe off/away completely. Emphasizes removal of dirt or liquid.
Wipe off the dirt.
To remove liquid, tears, sweat, or marks by wiping.
To dry or clean one's body or hands by wiping.
Standard verb for wiping hands, face, or body with a towel.
I wiped my hands with a towel.
Wipe your body after a bath.
To eliminate or erase something completely, often used figuratively.
拭く (fuku) is the general verb for wiping surfaces, objects, and body parts. 拭う (nuguu) is more specific to wiping away liquids or marks, and often carries a slightly more formal or emotional tone. For everyday wiping, 拭く is safer.
Wipe the desk vs wipe away tears
The loanword ワイプ is used as a noun for a wipe (like a cleaning cloth) or in video editing (wipe transition), but not as a verb. Use 拭く instead.
Wipe sweat.
不安を拭い去る。
Wipe away anxiety.