Translation and Meaning of: 掃く - haku

The Japanese word 掃く[はく] is a common verb in everyday Japan, but it can cause confusion for language students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical use, and some trivia that helps to understand how it fits into Japanese culture. If you have ever wondered how to use this word correctly or what its relationship is with local habits, keep reading to find out.

In addition to explaining the translation and the contexts in which 掃く appears, we will address its writing in kanji and how to memorize it efficiently. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides real examples and reliable information for those who want to master this vocabulary. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 掃く

掃く means "to sweep," referring to the action of cleaning the floor or a surface using a broom. It is a verb that frequently appears in domestic situations and even in cleaning instructions in public places. In Japan, where hygiene is highly valued, knowing how to use this word can be essential.

An interesting detail is that 掃く is not limited to traditional brooms. In some contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe the action of "removing" something unwanted, such as in expressions that involve spiritual cleaning or even in the figurative sense of "eliminating" problems. However, its primary use remains physical, related to cleaning the environment.

Writing and memorization of the kanji 掃

The kanji 掃 is composed of the radical 扌(てへん), which indicates manual actions, combined with 帚, an ancient character related to brooms. This combination helps to visually understand the meaning: an action performed with the hands using a broom. To memorize, one tip is to associate the radical with the idea of "movement" and the remainder with the object used for cleaning.

Furthermore, the reading はく (haku) is shared with other verbs, such as 履く (to wear) and 吐く (to spit), but the context usually avoids confusion. A practical way to 掃く is to create simple sentences, such as "I sweep the room every day" (毎日部屋を掃く), associating it with routine habits.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, cleaning is an integral part of education from childhood, and 掃く is a word taught early in schools. Students participate in cleaning the classrooms, reinforcing the importance of the verb in daily life. This practice, known as そうじ (souji), often includes the use of brooms, making 掃く a familiar term even for children.

In temples and shrines, the act of sweeping also has a symbolic meaning, representing the purification of the sacred space. In festivals like Osoji (the great year-end cleaning), 掃く takes center stage as part of the renewal rituals. These examples show how the word is deeply rooted in both everyday life and Japanese traditions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 掃く

• 掃く positive present - 掃いています
• 掃く negative present - 掃かない
• 掃く positive past - 掃いた
• 掃く negative past - 掃かなかった

Synonyms and similar words

• 掃除する (souji suru) - Cleaning; to clean
• ほうきで掃く (houki de haku) - Sweep with a broom
• 掃く (haku) - Sweep; clean with a broom
• 払う (harau) - Brush; sweep; clean (in a lighter way)
• 掃き掃除する (haki soji suru) - Cleaning by sweeping
• 払いや掃除する (harai soji suru) - Cleaning while brushing
• 払いや掃き掃除する (harai de haki soji suru) - Cleaning with a brush and a broom
• 払いや掃く (harai de haku) - Sweeping and brushing at the same time
• 払い出す (harai dasu) - Shake or sweep outside
• 払い除ける (harai noge ru) - Remove sweeping
• 払いのけ出す (harai no ke dasu) - Push or sweep out
• 払い出し (harai dashi) - Removal or sweep completed
• 払い除く (harai noku) - Remove sweeping; brushing out