清洗 qīngxǐ to wash
to wash; to rinse; to clean; (figuratively) to purge; to get rid of (corrupt individuals etc)
How to remember 清洗: 清 clear + 洗 wash = to wash.
Characters
How it is used
- To wash/rinse/clean thoroughly - 清洗餐具 (qīngxǐ cānjù) wash the dishes, 高压清洗 (gāoyā qīngxǐ) pressure-wash.
- Emphasizes washing something completely clean; also the sinister figurative 'purge' (清洗异己 purge dissidents).
- Contrast 洗 (xǐ, wash, everyday); 清洗 is more thorough, and carries the 'purge' metaphor in politics.
Example sentences
- 请清洗它。 Qǐng qīngxǐ tā.Please wash it.
- 去清洗一下。 Qù qīngxǐ yīxià.Wash up.
- 这辆车需要清洗。 Zhèliàng chē xūyào qīngxǐ.This car needs washed.