sai2洗
Jyutpingsai2
Yalesái
Definition
Christian baptism; to baptize or be baptized.
Example
neutralother
How it's used
This character functions as a morpheme specifically for the Christian ritual of baptism. It is almost exclusively used in formal religious contexts or compound words like 受洗. Outside of this religious sense, the same character is used for the common verb meaning to wash or clean.
Examples
He will go to church to get baptized next month.
When did you decide to get baptized?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common verb 洗 meaning to wash, as the religious meaning is restricted to specific compound terms. Using it alone to mean baptism in casual speech will likely cause confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
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