Meaning and Usage
The verb 干す (ほす) primarily means "to air" or "to dry" something by exposing it to air or sunlight, such as laundry or bedding. It can also mean "to drink up" when referring to beverages, especially alcohol.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 干す used when talking about drying clothes (洗濯物を干す) or futons (布団を干す). It implies leaving the item out so that moisture evaporates naturally. In casual conversation, it can also describe finishing a drink quickly, like ビールを干す.
Collocations and Patterns
- 洗濯物を干す: to hang laundry to dry
- 布団を干す: to air a futon
- 飲み物を干す: to drink up a beverage
Register and Nuance
干す is a common, everyday verb used in informal and neutral contexts. When used for drinking, it often implies finishing the drink eagerly or quickly.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse 干す with 乾く (かわく), which is an intransitive verb meaning "to become dry." 干す is transitive and requires an object (something you dry). For example, you say 洗濯物を干す (to dry laundry), not 洗濯物が干す.