Japanese word

雑巾

Pronunciation

Romajizōkin

Meaning

  • nouncleaning rag, cleaning cloth

Example

雑巾を水で洗います。zō kin o mizu de ara i ma su

I wash the cleaning rag with water.

Illustration for 雑巾 (cleaning rag)

More examples

教室の床を雑巾できれいにします。kyō shitsu no yuka o zō kin de ki re i ni shi ma su

I clean the classroom floor with a cleaning cloth.

床の汚れを雑巾で拭きます。yuka no yogo re o zō kin de fu ki ma su

I wipe the dirt from the floor with a cleaning rag.

Core concept

Refers to a reusable cloth used to wipe dirt from floors, furniture, and other surfaces.

Common phrases

  • 雑巾で拭くzō kin de fu ku

    wipe with a cleaning rag

  • 雑巾を絞るzō kin o shibo ru

    wring out a cleaning rag

  • 雑巾をすすぐzō kin o su su gu

    rinse a cleaning rag

Similar words

ふきんfukin: A cloth used mainly to wipe dishes, kitchen surfaces, or tables.
ウエスuesu: A piece of cloth, often made from old fabric, used for wiping dirt or oil.

Definition in Japanese

床や家具などの汚れを拭き取るために使う布。yuka ya ka gu na do no yogo re o fu ki to ru ta me ni tsuka u nuno

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 雑 (zatsu, "miscellaneous") and 巾 (kin, "cloth"), giving the literal sense of a miscellaneous cloth used for cleaning.

Usage tips

  • In English, dustcloth often suggests dry dusting, while 雑巾 (zōkin) commonly refers to a cloth used for wiping with water or cleaner.

Word lists with this word