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拭 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
拭
shì
to wipe away stains with a cloth
vg, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #24356, Very Hard
拭
shì
to wipe
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #24356, Very Hard
shì(shi4)shi T4
1to wipe away stains with a cloth
2to wipe
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March 24, 2026
拭shì(shi4)
The character 拭 (shì) means to wipe or clean something, typically using a cloth. It is often used in contexts where one is removing stains or dirt from surfaces. The character conveys a sense of careful cleaning, distinguishing it from more general actions of cleaning or scrubbing.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#24356DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, often reflected in daily practices such as frequent cleaning of spaces and objects. The act of wiping, represented by 拭, signifies care for one's environment and belongings.
Memory tip
Imagine a person (the radical 扌, which represents hand) carefully wiping away a stain with a cloth. The 'sh' sound in 'shì' can remind you of the sound you make when you wipe something clean—'shhh'—as you diligently work to remove the dirt.
Meanings of 拭
shì(shi4)
1to wipe away stains with a cloth
2to wipe
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 拭
拭Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 拭
Podcast: 拭
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AI study notes for 拭
Quick Contrast
擦 (cā) vs 拭 (shì): Use 拭 when emphasizing careful wiping, while 擦 suggests a more general or vigorous action of rubbing.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 拭 with similar-sounding verbs like 洗 (xǐ), which means to wash. Remember that 拭 specifically refers to wiping, not washing. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as cleaning instructions or written descriptions.
HSK Study Tips
While 拭 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance comprehension of more complex phrases that involve cleaning. Focus on recognizing and using it in conjunction with other cleaning-related verbs at your current level.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 拭 in contexts that imply washing, saying something like 拭衣服 (shì yīfú) which would incorrectly suggest wiping clothes instead of washing them. The correct term for washing clothes is 洗衣服 (xǐ yīfú).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拭
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拭 = 扌 + 式. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 拭
IDS Structure⿰扌式
拭Full character
=
扌shou3
left
式shi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 拭?
How to say to wipe away stains with a cloth in Chinese
“to wipe away stains with a cloth” in Chinese is拭shì
The character 拭 (shì) means to wipe or clean something, typically using a cloth. It is often used in contexts where one is removing stains or dirt from surfaces. The character conveys a sense of careful cleaning, distinguishing it from more general actions of cleaning or scrubbing.
When to use 拭
Learners often confuse 拭 with similar-sounding verbs like 洗 (xǐ), which means to wash. Remember that 拭 specifically refers to wiping, not washing. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as cleaning instructions or written descriptions.
拭 or something close to it
擦 (cā) vs 拭 (shì): Use 拭 when emphasizing careful wiping, while 擦 suggests a more general or vigorous action of rubbing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 拭 in contexts that imply washing, saying something like 拭衣服 (shì yīfú) which would incorrectly suggest wiping clothes instead of washing them. The correct term for washing clothes is 洗衣服 (xǐ yīfú).
Write 拭
拭
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Practice writing 拭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 拭
拭 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在一只盆里放上水，轻轻地用蘸湿的海绵擦____你的面部及身体。
Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body.
Example sentences for 拭 (8)
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1
在一只盆里放上水，轻轻地用蘸湿的海绵擦拭你的面部及身体。
zài yī zhī pén lǐ fàng shàng shuǐ， qīng qīng dì yòng zhàn shī de hǎimián cā shì nǐ de miànbù jí shēntǐ。
Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body.
2
谈到他时，她拭去了脸上的泪水。
tándào tā shí， tā shì qù le liǎn shàng de lèishuǐ。
She brushed away tears as she spoke of him.
3
我假装拭去一只眼睛里的沙粒。
wǒ jiǎzhuāng shì qù yī zhī yǎnjing lǐ de Shā lì。
I pretended to rub a fleck of grit from one eye.
4
如果你孩子的体温上升，就用海绵蘸上温水轻轻地擦拭她的身体。
rúguǒ nǐ háizi de tǐwēn shàngshēng， jiù yòng hǎimián zhàn shàng Wēn shuǐ qīng qīng dì cā shì tā de shēntǐ。
If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water.
5
她小心翼翼地把枪擦拭干净，放进枪盒里锁好。
tā xiǎoxīnyìyì dì bǎ qiāng cā shì gānjìng， fàng jìn qiāng hé lǐ suǒ hǎo。
She meticulously cleaned the gun and locked it away in its case.
6
用柔软的干布擦拭金属。
yòng róuruǎn de gān bù cā shì jīnshǔ。
Clean the metal with a soft dry cloth.
7
他拍打去地毯上的灰尘，还擦拭了银器。
tā pāi dǎ qù dìtǎn shàng de huīchén， hái cā shì le yín qì。
He beat the rugs and polished the silver.
8
护士擦拭了他发烫的前额。
hùshi cā shì le tā fā tàng de qián é。
The nurse mopped his fevered brow.
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Word Family of 拭
Words containing this character7
拭目以待lit. to wipe one's eyes and wait (idiom); to wait and see
擦拭to wipe clean
拭shìto wipe
揩拭to wipe off
拭目to wipe one's eyes
拭除to wipe off
拭目倾耳to watch and listen attentively拭目傾耳
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 拭
What does 拭目以待 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 拭
You can say '请用布把桌子拭干净' (Qǐng yòng bù bǎ zhuōzi shì gānjìng) meaning 'Please wipe the table clean with a cloth.'
Yes, 拭 is more common in written Chinese, especially in formal contexts, while in spoken language, you might hear more casual terms.
Yes, synonyms include 擦 (cā), which also means to wipe, but can imply a more vigorous action.
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