Meaning

Primary

To Wipe

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

The kanji means wipe, and this is the verb version of that, making this to wipe.

拭く is generally used for actions involving cleaning or drying surfaces by wiping, often with a cloth, towel, or similar item.

Reading

ふく
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Like verbs usually do, this uses the kun'yomi, which you already learned with the kanji. Lucky you!

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 体を拭く

    to wipe the body

    汗を拭く

    to wipe off sweat

    テーブルを拭く

    to wipe the table

Context Sentences

えっ、バスタオルじゃなく、この小さいタオルで体を拭くんですか?

Wait, you wipe your body with this small towel instead of a bath towel?

こぼしたものをティッシュで拭くのはもったいないよ。ふきんとかないの?

It's a waste to wipe up spills with tissues. Don't we have something like a dishcloth?

じゃあ、ミサキさんは、これでテーブルを拭いといてもらえますか?

In that case, could you please wipe the table with this, Misaki-san?

Kanji Composition