Definition
清洗 means 'to clean thoroughly' with water or liquid, and also 'to purge' undesirable elements — it's stronger and more thorough than 打扫 (general sweeping/cleaning) or 清扫 (sweeping clean). Unlike 冲洗 (rinsing with water) or 洗涤 (formal/technical washing), 清洗 implies a deep, systematic removal, whether physical or organizational.
verb
to clean thoroughly (especially with water or liquid)to purge (remove undesirable elements)
Easily confused
- 清晰qīng xīsound-alikeclear, distinct
Examples
- 清洗。Qǐng yòng qīng shuǐ qīng xǐ shūcài.Please wash the vegetables with clean water.
- 清洗。Gōngsī qīng xǐ le yì pī bù hégé de yuángōng.The company purged a batch of unqualified employees.
- 清洗。Shǒushù qián bìxū qīng xǐ shuāng shǒu.Hands must be cleaned before surgery.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.