Meaning and Usage
The verb 扫 (sǎo) primarily means "to sweep" or "to clean by sweeping." It is commonly used in everyday contexts related to cleaning floors, yards, or surfaces by removing dust, dirt, or debris.
Common Collocations
- 扫地 (sǎo dì): sweep the floor
- 扫帚 (sàozhou): broom (tool used for sweeping)
- 扫除灰尘 (sǎochú huīchén): sweep away dust
Usage Notes
When using 扫, the object is often the surface or area being cleaned, such as 地 (floor), 院子 (yard), or 桌子 (table). The action implies physically removing dirt or debris with a broom or similar tool.
Avoid confusing 扫 with 擦 (cā), which means "to wipe" or "to rub" and usually involves a cloth rather than a broom.
Register and Tone
扫 is a neutral, commonly used verb suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is appropriate in casual and formal contexts when discussing cleaning tasks.