払う vs 払拭する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 払う
Listen to 払拭する
| 払う | 払拭する |
|---|---|
ha-RAU verb (transitive, u-verb) | ふっしょくする verb (transitive, u-verb) |
| to pay (money); to brush off or sweep away | to dispel, eradicate, or wipe away (intangible things like doubts, fears, prejudice) |
How they differ
払拭する is a Sino-Japanese verb meaning to thoroughly dispel or eliminate intangible things (doubts, misconceptions) and carries a strong, complete-eradication nuance; 払う can be used metaphorically to 'shake off' feelings but is more casual and less emphatic about eradication.
When to use each
When to use 払う: Prefer 払う when speaking informally or when describing a casual attempt to shake off feelings or to physically brush something away.
When to use 払拭する: Prefer 払拭する in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the complete elimination of an intangible problem (e.g., prejudice, mistrust).
Side-by-side examples
- 深呼吸して不安を払った。
(He/She took a deep breath and brushed off the anxiety.) - この対策で市民の不安を払拭できるはずだ。
(This measure should dispel citizens' anxiety.)
Register & nuance: 払拭する is formal and common in written, journalistic, or official contexts; 払う is more colloquial and everyday.