湿 (shī) - Wet — moist, damp, humid & to moisten, to soak

湿Tone 1

shī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

湿 · shī

Wet — moist, damp, humid;

to moisten, to soak;

also refers to dampness in traditional Chinese medicine.

Wet — moist, damp, humidto moisten, to soakalso refers to dampness in traditional Chinese medicine.

Usage highlights

Wet towelHumid climateDampnessMoisturizeWaterloggedDamp soil

Synonyms

  • 潮— damp, moist, tidal
  • 润— moist, smooth

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The towel is wet (湿毛巾).
  • The climate here is very humid (气候潮湿).
  • Be careful not to get your shoes wet (鞋子湿了).
  • Traditional Chinese medicine treats dampness (中医湿气).

Collocations

  • Wet towel(湿毛巾)
  • Humid climate(潮湿气候)
  • Dampness(湿气)
  • Moisturize(湿润)
  • Waterlogged(水湿)
  • Damp soil(湿土)

Idioms

  • Long-winded and tedious(拖泥带水)
  • Soaked through(湿透)
  • Drenched to the skin(浑身湿透)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, 'dampness' (湿) is one of the six pathogenic factors that can cause disease.
  • Associated with yin qualities in Chinese philosophy - cold, dark, and passive.
  • Often used metaphorically to describe tedious or complicated situations.

FAQ