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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#24356DifficultyHard
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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
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 hǎi mián cā shì nǐ de miàn bù jí shēn。
Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body.
rú guǒ nǐ hái zǐ de tǐ wēn shàng shēng， ， jiù yòng hǎi mián zhàn shàng wēn shuǐ qīng qīng dì cā shì tā de shēn。
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 xiǎo xīn yì yì dì bǎ qiāng cā shì gān jìng， ， fàng jìn qiāng hé lǐ suǒ。
She meticulously cleaned the gun and locked it away in its case.
6
用柔软的干布擦拭金属。
yòng róu ruǎn de gān bù cā shì jīn shǔ。
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 dì tǎn shàng de huī chén， ， huán cā shì le yín。
He beat the rugs and polished the silver.
8
护士擦拭了他发烫的前额。
hù shì cā shì le tā fā tàng de qián é。
The nurse mopped his fevered brow.
Cultural Notes for 拭
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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
Compound Meaning
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.
