How to say "brush" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe loanword noun for the brush as an object or tool. Choose this when you mean the implement itself — the physical brush — rather than any action of brushing.
- 掃くはくgodan verb, transitive verbHere 'brush' means to sweep or brush something off or away, as with dust or crumbs. It is the sweeping sense of the word, not grooming or polishing.お前は床を掃きさえすればよい。↗You have only to sweep the floor.
- godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for brushing or combing the hair, working through tangles. If you want to say that you brush your hair, this is the word you want.
- 小競り合いこぜりあいnounThe noun for a minor clash or skirmish — a brief, small-scale fight, as with an enemy force. It covers only this 'brush' sense and has nothing to do with brushes as tools.
- 磨くみがくgodan verb, transitive verbIts core senses are polishing and shining something up, and it is also the verb used for brushing the teeth. For 'brush your teeth,' this is the word.
Use 「ブラシ」 for the implement, 「とかす」 for brushing hair, 「掃く」 for brushing or sweeping things off or away, 「磨く」 for brushing the teeth or polishing, and 「小競り合い」 only for a minor clash or skirmish.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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