sai2 saam1洗衫
Jyutpingsai2 saam1
Yalesái sāam
Definition
To wash clothes; to do the laundry.
colloquialdaily actionshome
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of cleaning garments, whether by hand or using a machine. It is a very common daily activity verb that replaces the more formal 洗衣服 used in written Chinese. When someone asks if you have finished the chore, they often add the aspect marker 咗 to indicate completion.
Examples
I have to wash clothes today, I don't have time to go out.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
