akikan to youki o susugi, tsubushite, gomi o genryoushimasu.

direct object particle

Breakdown of akikan to youki o susugi, tsubushite, gomi o genryoushimasu.

• と: noun-connector particle
• ごみ: trash
• 空あき缶かん: an empty can

Questions & Answers about akikan to youki o susugi, tsubushite, gomi o genryoushimasu.

How do you read this sentence?

空き缶 と 容器 を すすぎ、つぶして、ごみ を 減量します。
is read:

あきかん と ようき を すすぎ、つぶして、ごみ を げんりょうします。

A version without learner spaces would normally be:

空き缶と容器をすすぎ、つぶして、ごみを減量します。

Why is there no subject? Who is doing the action?

Japanese often leaves the subject unstated when it is clear from context.

In a sentence like this, especially on a sign or in trash-sorting instructions, the implied subject is usually one of these:

• you, the reader
• we or people in general

So even though it literally looks like a statement, it often functions like a polite instruction: Rinse and crush empty cans and containers to reduce waste.

What does 空き缶 mean, and why not just 缶?

空き缶 means empty can or used can.

• 缶 = can, tin
• 空き adds the idea that it is empty

So 空き缶 is the normal word for a can that has been used up and is now trash or recycling.

If you said just 缶, that would only mean a can in general, not necessarily an empty one.

What does 容器 mean here?