皂 (zào) - soap & black (archaic)
皂 · zào
soap;
black (archaic);
runners (in government service);
related to cleaning and dark colors.
soapblack (archaic)runners (in government service)
Usage highlights
soapsoap operablack official robegovernment runnersoap bubblesoap powder
Usage & contexts
Examples
- I wash my hands with soap (肥皂).
- The soap opera is very popular (肥皂剧).
- In ancient times, officials wore black robes (皂衣).
- He works as a government runner (皂隶).
Collocations
- soap(肥皂)
- soap opera(肥皂剧)
- black official robe(皂衣)
- government runner(皂隶)
- soap bubble(皂泡)
- soap powder(皂粉)
Idioms
- Unable to distinguish black from white(不分皂白)
- Clear distinction between right and wrong(皂白分明)
- Like a soap bubble(如皂泡)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally meant 'black' in ancient Chinese, referring to the dark color of certain plants used for dyeing.
- Later extended to mean 'soap' due to the dark color of early soap made from plant ashes and animal fats.
- Historically used to refer to low-ranking government servants who wore black uniforms.