To wash, cleanse, or rinse something (remove dirt or stains with water/detergent) — everyday actions like washing hands, dishes, or clothes.
夕ご飯のあとで皿を洗うのを手伝ってください。
Please help wash the dishes after dinner.
手をよく洗ってから調理を始めてください。
Wash your hands well before you start cooking.
彼女はシャツを手で洗うのが好きだ。
She likes to wash shirts by hand.
顔を洗ってから出かけたほうがいいよ。
You should wash your face before going out.
To investigate or look into something thoroughly (often figurative, as in examining past facts or records).
警察は容疑者の過去を徹底的に洗った。
The police thoroughly investigated the suspect's past.
会社は不正の有無を洗うために外部調査を依頼した。
The company requested an external investigation to probe for fraud.
To purify or cleanse one's heart/mind (figurative), as when one feels refreshed or spiritually renewed.
山に登って景色を見たら心が洗われた気がした。
After climbing the mountain and seeing the view, I felt my spirit cleansed.
長い散歩をして気持ちが洗われた。
A long walk refreshed my mind.
To wash over or sweep across (e.g., waves washing over a deck); used in maritime or water-related descriptions.
大きな波が甲板を洗った。
A large wave washed over the deck.
潮が満ちて岩を洗っている。
The tide is washing over the rocks.