Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Wipe" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "wipe", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拭く
ふく (fuku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
払拭
ふっしょく (fusshoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "wipe" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拭く and 払拭.
In Japanese, 拭く (ふく (fuku)) is typically associated with "to wipe, to dry" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb for cleaning or drying a surface with a cloth, paper, etc..
On the other hand, 払拭 (ふっしょく (fusshoku)) maps to "to wipe away, dispel, clear away (doubts, rumors, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To completely remove or clear away something abstract like doubts, suspicions, negative images, or rumors. Often used with する. A literal translation of "wipe" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拭く"
テーブルをきれいに拭いてください。
Please wipe the table clean.
Bilingual Context for "払拭"
彼女の疑念を払拭するため、事実を説明した。
I explained the facts to dispel her doubts.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テーブルをきれいに拭いてください。" (Meaning: "Please wipe the table clean.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拭く" fits here because it means "to wipe, to dry" in the context of: "Please wipe the table clean.". "払拭" represents "to wipe away, dispel, clear away (doubts, rumors, etc.)".