Definition
扫 (sǎo) is the core verb for 'to sweep' with a broom, often used alone or in compounds. 打扫 (dǎsǎo) means 'to clean' more broadly (sweep, mop, tidy up). 清扫 (qīngsǎo) is 'to sweep clean' — thorough cleaning. 扫除 (sǎochú) adds a figurative sense of 'eliminate' (e.g., obstacles). 扫码 (sǎomǎ) and 扫描 (sǎomiáo) use a different meaning: 'to scan' (QR codes, documents).
verb
to sweep
Easily confused
- 挡dǎnglook-aliketo block, to obstruct; to get in the way of
- 当dānglook-alike(verb) to act as, to serve as, to be
- 归guīlook-aliketo return, to go back
Examples
- 扫。Māma zhèngzài sǎo chúfáng.Mom is sweeping the kitchen.
- 扫。Wǒ sǎo wán wòshì le.I've finished sweeping the bedroom.
- 扫？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ sǎo yíxià yángtái ma?Can you help me sweep the balcony?
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