Definition
洗手 is a verb-object compound meaning 'to wash one's hands'. As a separable verb (离合词), 洗 and 手 can be separated when inserting a measure word, result complement, or duration — for example, 洗了手 (washed hands), 洗一遍手 (wash hands once). Figuratively, 洗手 can mean to reform, especially used in 洗手不干 (to stop doing something dishonest). It can also serve as a polite euphemism for using the toilet, though 洗手间 is more common.
v.o.
to wash one's hands(euphemism) to go to the toilet(figurative) to reformto quit a bad habit (originally of criminals)
Examples
- 。Chīfàn qián yídìng yào xǐ yí biàn shǒu.Be sure to wash your hands once before eating.
- 洗手。Tā yào qù xǐ yíxià.He needs to go wash his hands (go to the bathroom).
- 洗手。Nà ge xiǎotōu yǐjīng xǐ bú gàn le.That thief has already reformed and quit.
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