扫 (sǎo) — to sweep
Definition
扫 (sǎo) means 'to sweep' and is almost always paired with an object (扫地, 扫房间). 打扫 is the more common everyday phrase 'to clean up'; 扫 alone is the verb root used in compounds and with 了/一下.
verb
to sweep
Examples
- 扫。Mā ma zhèng zài sǎo chú fáng.Mom is sweeping the kitchen.
- 扫。Wǒ sǎo wán wò shì le.I've finished sweeping the bedroom.
- 扫？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ sǎo yí xià yáng tái ma?Can you help me sweep the balcony?
Origin
Compound ideograph六书liùshū
会意huìyìTwo or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 掃; 扫 is its simplified writing.
The form 掃 draws a hand with a broomstick, the thing used for sweeping.
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