unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #24356, Very Hard
shì(shi4) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 式 represents the sound.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half式 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 拭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 拭?
Decomposition of 拭
IDS Structure⿰扌式
拭Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
式shi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
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.
