E14 · Housework

Goal: learn 9 words and phrases for cleaning, washing and tidying.

Before you start

This level assumes the beginner level and basic grammar. Words you already met are marked and do not count as new.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

そうじ and せんたく take する (そうじをします); from them come そうじき (vacuum cleaner) and せんたくき (washing machine): き means «machine».

Show romaji

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

そうじsoujicleaningUsually written 掃除
せんたくsentakulaundryUsually written 洗濯There is also せんたく = 選択 (choice). Here you learn 洗濯, laundry.
ゴミgomirubbish, garbage
すてるsuteruthrow awayUsually written 捨てる
かたづけるkatazukerutidy upUsually written 片付ける
あらうarauwashUsually written 洗う
さらsaraplate, dishUsually written 皿
せんたくきsentakukiwashing machineUsually written 洗濯機
そうじきsoujikivacuum cleanerUsually written 掃除機

Two rounds: first you read each word and type its romaji, then you pick what it means. No romaji on screen.

Show romaji

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.

At the end of the day, someone goes over what they did:

きょうはせんたくをしました。そうじはしませんでした。