Running a household requires managing various tasks, and knowing the right English terms can be helpful, especially for learners or bilingual families. This guide covers key vocabulary related to daily chores, tools, and expressions used in household management.
Basic Household Chores
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Cleaning (打扫)
- Sweep (扫地) – Using a broom to remove dust and debris from floors.
- Mop (拖地) – Cleaning floors with a mop and water.
- Vacuum (吸尘) – Using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from carpets.
- Dust (除尘) – Wiping surfaces to remove dust.
- Wipe (擦拭) – Cleaning surfaces with a cloth.
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Laundry (洗衣)
- Wash clothes (洗衣服) – Cleaning garments in a washing machine or by hand.
- Hang clothes (晾衣服) – Drying clothes on a clothesline or rack.
- Fold clothes (叠衣服) – Neatly arranging clothes after drying.
- Iron (熨烫) – Removing wrinkles from clothes with an iron.
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Kitchen Tasks (厨房事务)
- Wash dishes (洗碗) – Cleaning plates, utensils, and cookware.
- Load the dishwasher (把碗放进洗碗机) – Placing dishes inside a dishwasher.
- Unload the dishwasher (从洗碗机取出碗) – Removing clean dishes.
- Take out the trash (倒垃圾) – Disposing of household waste.
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Organizing (整理)
- Tidy up (整理) – Putting items in their proper places.
- Declutter (清理杂物) – Removing unnecessary items.
- Rearrange (重新布置) – Changing the layout of furniture or objects.
Household Tools & Equipment
To complete chores efficiently, these tools are essential:
- Broom (扫帚) – Used for sweeping floors.
- Mop (拖把) – For cleaning hard floors.
- Vacuum cleaner (吸尘器) – Removes dust from carpets and floors.
- Sponge (海绵) – Helps with scrubbing dishes or surfaces.
- Scrub brush (刷子) – For tougher stains.
- Dustpan (簸箕) – Collects swept debris.
- Laundry basket (洗衣篮) – Holds dirty clothes.
- Ironing board (熨衣板) – Provides a flat surface for ironing.
Common Phrases for Delegating Chores
When assigning tasks in a household, these phrases are useful:
- "Could you please sweep the floor?"
- "It’s your turn to wash the dishes."
- "Don’t forget to take out the trash."
- "Let’s tidy up the living room together."
Advanced Cleaning Terms
For deeper cleaning, some specialized terms include:
- Disinfect (消毒) – Killing germs with cleaning agents.
- Sanitize (杀菌) – Reducing bacteria to safe levels.
- Scrub (用力擦洗) – Cleaning with vigorous motion.
- Polish (抛光) – Making surfaces shiny.
Seasonal & Less Frequent Tasks
Some chores aren’t daily but still important:
- Deep clean (深度清洁) – Thorough cleaning of an entire space.
- Spring cleaning (大扫除) – A comprehensive cleaning session, often in spring.
- Clean the windows (擦窗户) – Washing glass panes.
- Organize the garage (整理车库) – Sorting tools and stored items.
Cultural Perspectives on Household Chores
Different cultures approach chores differently. In Western households, chores are often shared among family members, while in some Asian cultures, specific roles may be more traditional. Learning these terms helps in multicultural living situations.
Household chores may seem mundane, but mastering the vocabulary makes communication smoother, especially in shared living spaces. Whether managing a home or learning English, these words and phrases are practical for daily life.
