cing1 sai2清洗
Jyutpingcing1 sai2
Yalechīng sái
Definition
To wash, rinse, or clean with water; to purge or get rid of undesirable elements.
- to wash; to rinse; to clean with water
- to purge; to eliminate or get rid of people or things deemed impure
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the thoroughness of the cleaning process, often implying the removal of dirt or impurities rather than just a quick rinse. While it can be used for household chores, it is frequently applied to items requiring specific care like medical equipment or delicate surfaces. In political or metaphorical contexts, it carries the same heavy connotation of a purge as it does in other languages.
Examples
Remember to wash the fruit clean before you eat it.
How should this water bottle be cleaned to be the most hygienic?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this for washing clothes or dishes, but 洗衫 or 洗碗 are much more natural in daily life. Reserve 清洗 for situations where the process is more technical or involves deep cleaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
