How to say "sweep" in Japanese

• ふりJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, counterCovers the swinging or waving sense of 'sweep', as in an arm sweeping across something. It is really about swing and wave motions; for sweeping a floor, this is seldom the word you want.
• 掃くはくJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThis is the word for the cleaning sense of 'sweep', using a broom or brush to clear dust or dirt from a floor or other surface. It also covers brushing.
  お前まえは床ゆかを掃はきさえすればよい。↗

  You have only to sweep the floor.

For the physical act of cleaning a floor with a broom, use 「掃く」; 「ふり」 refers to a swinging or waving motion and is rarely the word for sweeping in the cleaning sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ふりswing
• 掃くはくto sweep
• スイープsweep
• はわくto sweep (with a broom)
• 流れるながれるto sweep (e.g. rumour, fire)
• 払うはらうto sweep (e.g. one's legs)
• 洗うあらうto lave (e.g. shore)