Quick answer
洗 is the kanji for "Wash". The most common reading is あら.う (arau). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Wash
Also : Probe · Investigate
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 洗 represents 'WASH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of wash.
On-reading: せん — remember this sound by associating it with wash. Kun-reading: あら.う.
Example Sentences
手をよく洗ってください。
てをよくあらってください。
Please wash your hands well.
洗濯物を干しました。
せんたくものをほしました。
I hung up the laundry.
Vocabulary using 洗
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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