What 'To Do Laundry' Means in Japanese

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does "To Do Laundry" Mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, "to do laundry" is expressed as 洗濯をする (sentaku o suru). The noun 洗濯 (sentaku) means "laundry" or "washing," and する (suru) means "to do." Put together, this phrase literally means "to do washing," which is how Japanese speakers talk about washing clothes or textiles. Unlike English, where "laundry" can be a noun or verb, Japanese uses this noun-verb combination for action.

You can use the phrase in different tenses and politeness levels. For example:

• 洗濯をします (sentaku o shimasu) – "I will do laundry" (polite present/future)
• 洗濯をしています (sentaku o shite imasu) – "I am doing laundry" (polite present continuous)
• 洗濯をした (sentaku o shita) – "I did laundry" (past)

This phrase is common in daily conversation, appliance manuals, and chore discussions. For instance, 洗濯機 (sentakuki) means "washing machine" (literally "laundry machine"), showing how the root word 洗濯 is used in related household terms.

How Does Doing Laundry Work in Japan? A Hypothetical Example

Suppose you are staying in a Japanese apartment and need to do laundry. Here is a step-by-step example of how you might express and complete this task using Japanese language and cultural practices:

1. Decide to do laundry: You say 「洗濯をしたいです」 (sentaku o shitai desu) to mean "I want to do laundry."
2. Gather clothes and sort: Separate whites (白物, shiromono) from colors (色物, iromono) to avoid color bleeding. For delicate items, decide if you need a gentle cycle or hand washing.
3. Add detergent: Say 「洗剤を入れます」 (senzai o iremasu), meaning "I put in detergent." Japanese detergents come in powders, liquids, and pods, often marked with 洗剤. Follow instructions on the package carefully, as amounts can vary.
4. Set washing machine: Most washing machines in Japan have buttons with Japanese labels or simple katakana like スタート (sutāto, start). Typical cycle options include 洗い (arai, wash), すすぎ (susugi, rinse), and 脱水 (dassui, spin dry). Press the スタート button to begin.
5. Dry clothes: After washing, hang your clothes outside (外に干す, soto ni hosu) on a balcony pole (物干し竿, monohoshi sao) or indoors on a drying rack. Many Japanese apartments lack dryers, so air drying is common.

This example highlights how you would use the phrase 洗濯をする in daily conversation and understand instructions, enabling smooth laundry management.

Why Does Knowing the Japanese Term Matter for You?

Knowing 洗濯をする (to do laundry) is helpful if you live, travel, or work with Japanese speakers. Here is why it matters:

• Clear communication: Asking for permission or help with laundry requires the right phrase. For example, 「洗濯をしてもいいですか？」 (sentaku o shite mo ii desu ka?) means "May I do laundry?"
• Understanding appliances: Many washing machines and detergents in Japan use Japanese labels. Recognizing 洗濯-related terms lets you operate machines correctly and avoid mistakes.
• Household independence: Doing laundry is a basic adult skill. Using the correct language builds confidence to manage chores without relying heavily on others.
• Cultural integration: Laundry habits differ globally. For example, many Japanese homes prefer air drying clothes on balconies. Knowing terms like 干す (hosu, "to hang/dry") lets you discuss these practices respectfully.

For parents, educators, or learners of Japanese, these terms support life skills development and smoother daily routines.

What Related Terms Are Often Confused with "To Do Laundry"?

Several Japanese terms are related to cleaning but have different meanings:

• 掃除 (souji)? Means "cleaning" or "tidying," typically for rooms or floors, not clothes. For example, 掃除機 (soujiki) is a vacuum cleaner.
• 洗う (arau)? Means "to wash" in general, used for hands, dishes, or face. It can apply to clothes but is less specific than 洗濯をする.
• 乾燥 (kansou)? Means "drying." Many washing machines have a 乾燥機能 (kansou kinou, drying function). 乾燥機 (kansouki) means "dryer."
• アイロンをかける (airon o kakeru)? Means "to iron." This is the step after laundry to smooth wrinkles.
• 手洗い (tearai)? Means "hand washing," specifying washing clothes by hand instead of machine.

Knowing these distinctions helps avoid confusion when reading instructions or discussing chores.

How Can You Practice Using the Phrase "To Do Laundry" in Japanese?

Practicing common sentences helps you become comfortable with 洗濯をする. Here are useful examples with English translations you can repeat or write:

• 毎週土曜日に洗濯をします。

(Maishuu doyoubi ni sentaku o shimasu.) "I do laundry every Saturday."

• 洗濯を手伝ってくれますか？

(Sentaku o tetsudatte kuremasu ka?) "Can you help me with laundry?"

• 洗濯機の使い方がわかりません。

(Sentakuki no tsukaikata ga wakarimasen.) "I don’t know how to use the washing machine."

• 洗濯物を干してください。

(Sentakumono o hoshite kudasai.) "Please hang the laundry."

• 洗濯をしてから買い物に行きます。

(Sentaku o shite kara kaimono ni ikimasu.) "I will do the laundry before going shopping."

Try labeling your laundry items at home with Japanese words or role-playing conversations to reinforce learning. Using these phrases in real situations helps build confidence.

What Should You Do Next to Learn More About Laundry in Japanese?

To advance your skills:

• Learn laundry symbols: Japanese clothing labels may use symbols you recognize but often include Japanese text. Resources like “How to Translate Laundry Symbols for Better Laundry Care” explain these in detail.
• Familiarize with machine buttons: Practice reading and understanding washing machine settings such as 脱水 (spin dry), お急ぎ (quick wash), and 予約 (timer).
• Practice chore conversations: Use phrases to discuss laundry with family or roommates. For example, 「今日は洗濯をしますか？」 (Kyou wa sentaku o shimasu ka?) means "Are you doing laundry today?"
• Explore cultural habits: Learn about how Japanese households manage laundry drying, detergent types, and communal laundry etiquette to adapt comfortably.
• Try hands-on practice: If possible, do laundry at a Japanese laundromat or home to apply language and procedures firsthand.

Combining language study with practical experience makes managing laundry easier and more natural.

How Is Laundry Different in Japan Compared to Other Countries?

Laundry practices in Japan have unique features:

• Air drying focus: Most households hang clothes on balcony poles or indoors on racks because electric dryers are less common and space is limited. This influences how laundry is done and discussed.
• Smaller washing machines: Japanese machines are often compact, designed for smaller loads due to apartment size constraints.
• Detergent varieties: Japanese detergents come in powder, liquid, or pods with different formulas than U.S. products. Packaging may feature kanji and katakana, so recognizing 洗剤 is helpful.
• Laundry etiquette: In shared housing, laundry times and noise levels may be regulated, so polite communication about laundry is valued.
• Seasonal drying: During rainy seasons (梅雨, tsuyu), indoor drying and using electric dehumidifiers or dryers become necessary.

Knowing these differences helps you adapt your laundry routines smoothly in Japan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say "laundry detergent" in Japanese?

Laundry detergent is 洗剤 (senzai) in Japanese. It refers to the cleaning agent used in the washing process. You’ll see this term on detergent packaging and instructions.

Can 洗濯をする mean both hand washing and machine washing?

Yes. 洗濯をする covers all laundry methods, whether washing by hand or using a machine. To specify hand washing, add 手洗い (tearai), as in 手洗いで洗濯をする.

How do you politely ask someone to do laundry in Japanese?

You can say 「洗濯をしてくれますか？」 (sentaku o shite kuremasu ka?), which means "Can you do the laundry?" For more politeness, say 「洗濯をお願いできますか？」 (sentaku o onegai dekimasu ka?).

What are common ways to dry clothes in Japanese homes?

Clothes are usually hung outside on a balcony pole (物干し竿, monohoshi sao) or indoors on a drying rack. During rainy seasons, electric dryers or dehumidifiers may be used.

What does 洗濯機 (sentakuki) mean?

洗濯機 means "washing machine" in Japanese, combining 洗濯 (laundry) and 機 (machine/device). It is the appliance used to wash clothes.