Meanings of 灑
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 灑
Podcast: 灑
Podcast: 灑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 灑
灑 (sǎ, to pour/spill) vs 撒 (sā, to scatter) — use 灑 when referring to pouring liquids, while 撒 is preferred for scattering objects.
Be careful not to confuse 灑 with similar characters like 洒 (sǎ), which also means 'to sprinkle' but is more commonly used in informal contexts. This character is suitable for both formal and informal registers, but context is key, especially when discussing actions versus descriptions.
While 灑 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to other HSK Level 3 and 4 words that involve actions of pouring or scattering, such as 倒 (dào, to pour). Focus on its usage in different contexts to strengthen understanding.
Learners often confuse 灑 with 洒 or even with 倒 (dào). For example, saying '我灑水了' (I poured water) is incorrect if they meant to simply sprinkle. The correct phrase would be '我洒水了'.
Pronunciation of 灑
Drill the tone of 灑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 灑
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 西 represents the sound. Simplified form of 灑.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 灑
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 西 represents the sound. Simplified form of 灑.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half麗 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 灑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 灑?
Decomposition of 灑
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 灑?
How to say to pour, to spill; to scatter, to shed; to wipe away in Chinese
“to pour, to spill; to scatter, to shed; to wipe away” in Chinese is灑
The character 灑 (sǎ) primarily means 'to pour' or 'to spill.' It is often used in contexts like watering plants or pouring liquid. Additionally, it can imply scattering or shedding, such as sprinkling salt or scattering seeds.
When to use 灑
Be careful not to confuse 灑 with similar characters like 洒 (sǎ), which also means 'to sprinkle' but is more commonly used in informal contexts. This character is suitable for both formal and informal registers, but context is key, especially when discussing actions versus descriptions.
灑 or something close to it
灑 (sǎ, to pour/spill) vs 撒 (sā, to scatter) — use 灑 when referring to pouring liquids, while 撒 is preferred for scattering objects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 灑 with 洒 or even with 倒 (dào). For example, saying '我灑水了' (I poured water) is incorrect if they meant to simply sprinkle. The correct phrase would be '我洒水了'.
Write 灑
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 灑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 灑
Compound Meaning
What does 洒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 灑
Yes, it can be used when discussing actions such as watering plants or spilling liquids.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 灑?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.