Definition
搔痒 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to scratch an itch'. You can split it by inserting a measure word, duration, or the result between 搔 and 痒, for example 搔一下痒 ('scratch the itch a bit') or 搔了几次痒 ('scratched the itch a few times'). The itch is already part of the word, so you don't need a separate object for it.
v.o.
to scratch an itch
Examples
- ，搔痒。Tā bèi shàng yǎng de lìhai, yìzhí zài sāo yǎng.His back itches badly, and he keeps scratching it.
- ，。Māo sāo le jǐ xià yǎng, ránhòu pā xià shuì jiào le.The cat scratched its itch a few times, then lay down to sleep.
- ，。Bié yìzhí sāo yǎng, huì bǎ pífū nòng pò de.Don't keep scratching that itch — you'll break the skin.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.