洗 (xǐ) - to wash & to cleanse
洗 · xǐ
to wash;
to cleanse;
to bathe;
to develop (film);
to clear (accounts);
to eliminate;
to kill and loot
to washto cleanseto bathe
Usage highlights
wash handstake a bathwash clotheswash facewash haircar wash
Usage & contexts
Examples
- I wash my hands before eating (洗手).
- She washes clothes every weekend (洗衣服).
- He takes a shower every morning (洗澡).
- We need to develop these photos (洗照片).
Collocations
- wash hands(洗手)
- take a bath(洗澡)
- wash clothes(洗衣服)
- wash face(洗脸)
- wash hair(洗头)
- car wash(洗车)
Idioms
- To wash one's heart and cleanse the thoughts(洗心革面)
- To wash one's hands of the matter(洗手不干)
- As if washed by rain and brushed by wind(雨洗风吹)
- To clear one's name of an unjust charge(洗雪冤屈)
Cultural background
FAQ- In traditional Chinese culture, washing symbolizes purification and renewal, both physically and spiritually.
- The character appears in many compound words related to personal hygiene and cleanliness.
- In historical contexts, '洗' could refer to military actions of plundering and destruction.