擦地
擦地 30초 만에
- 擦地 means to mop or wipe the floor, a basic daily chore.
- It is a verb-object compound: 擦 (wipe) + 地 (floor).
- Commonly used in household, school, and professional cleaning contexts.
- Often paired with resultative complements like '干净' (clean) or '完' (finish).
The Chinese term 擦地 (cā dì) is a verb-object construction that literally translates to 'rubbing the ground' or 'wiping the floor.' In a practical sense, it refers to the act of cleaning the floor using a cloth, a rag, or a mop. While English speakers might distinguish strictly between 'mopping' (using a mop) and 'wiping' (using a cloth), 擦地 is a versatile term that covers both actions, though it specifically emphasizes the physical motion of rubbing or wiping the surface to remove dirt, stains, or dust. This term is fundamental for anyone learning Chinese as it appears in daily chores, household instructions, and professional cleaning contexts. In many Asian cultures, including China, maintaining a clean floor is a point of pride and hygiene, as people often remove their shoes at the door and may even sit or play on the floor.
- Literal Breakdown
- 擦 (cā) means to wipe, rub, or scrape. 地 (dì) means ground, floor, or earth.
You will use 擦地 when you are describing your weekend routine, asking someone to help with chores, or explaining why the floor is wet. It is a very active verb. Unlike 扫地 (sǎodì), which means to sweep the floor with a broom, 擦地 implies the use of water or a cleaning solution and a wiping tool. In modern apartments with wooden or tiled floors, 擦地 is the most common way to describe deep cleaning the floor surface. It is also common in school settings where students are assigned to clean their classrooms, a practice known as 劳动 (láodòng - labor/work).
妈妈正在厨房擦地,请别进去。(Mom is mopping the floor in the kitchen, please don't go in.)
The term is also used in commercial settings. If you see a janitor in a mall or a hospital, the action they are performing is 擦地. It is a neutral term, neither overly formal nor slangy, making it safe for almost any situation. Understanding 擦地 also helps you learn other related verbs like 擦桌子 (cā zhuōzi - wipe the table) or 擦玻璃 (cā bōli - wipe the glass/windows). It follows the standard Verb-Object pattern of Chinese, which allows for flexibility in grammar, such as inserting aspect markers like '了' (le) or '完' (wán) between the two characters.
- Common Contexts
- Home cleaning, school chores, restaurant maintenance, and hospital sanitation.
把地擦干净。(Wipe the floor clean.)
Culturally, the act of 擦地 is often associated with diligence and care. In many traditional Chinese families, the floor is wiped by hand with a rag while kneeling, though this is becoming less common with the advent of modern mops. This manual labor is seen as a way to ensure every corner is perfectly clean. When you hear this word, think of the physical effort involved in making a surface shine. It is a word of action, results, and household responsibility.
- Tool Association
- Typically involves a 抹布 (mǒbù - rag) or a 拖把 (tuōbǎ - mop).
他每天都要擦地,家里总是很亮。(He mops the floor every day; the house is always very bright.)
Using 擦地 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of how Chinese verbs interact with objects and aspect markers. Because 擦地 is a verb-object (VO) compound, it behaves slightly differently than a single-character verb. You can modify the action by placing words between 擦 and 地. For example, to say 'mopped the floor,' you would say 擦了地 (cā le dì). To say 'mopping the floor,' you can say 正在擦地 (zhèngzài cā dì). This structure is essential for expressing the timing and completion of the action.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + (Adverb) + 擦地. Example: 我正在擦地。(I am mopping the floor.)
One of the most common ways to use 擦地 is with the 'Ba' (把) construction. The 把 construction is used to describe how a specific object is handled or disposed of. When you want to say 'Wipe the floor clean,' the 把 construction is the most natural choice: 把地擦干净 (bǎ dì cā gānjìng). Here, '地' is the object being moved or changed, '擦' is the action, and '干净' (clean) is the result. This is a very common pattern in daily life, especially when giving instructions or describing the outcome of a chore.
你先把地擦了,然后再休息。(Wipe the floor first, then take a rest.)
Another important usage is the use of resultative complements. Since 擦 (to wipe) is the action, you often need to express if the action was successful or to what extent. Common complements include 干净 (clean), 亮 (bright/shiny), and 完 (finished). For instance, 擦完了 (cā wán le) means 'finished wiping,' while 擦不干净 (cā bù gānjìng) means 'cannot wipe it clean.' These additions provide the necessary detail to make your Chinese sound more natural and precise. You can also use frequency expressions like 擦一次地 (cā yī cì dì - wipe the floor once) or 擦了一下午地 (cā le yī xiàwǔ dì - wiped the floor all afternoon).
- Negative Forms
- Use 不 (bù) for habitual negation: 我不喜欢擦地 (I don't like mopping). Use 没 (méi) for past negation: 我今天没擦地 (I didn't mop today).
地板太脏了,需要好好擦一擦。(The floor is too dirty; it needs a good wiping.)
In more complex sentences, 擦地 can be part of a serial verb construction. For example, 'I used a wet rag to mop the floor' would be 我用湿布擦地 (Wǒ yòng shībù cā dì). Here, '用湿布' (using a wet rag) describes the method of the action. You can also use it in passive sentences using 被 (bèi), though it is less common in everyday speech: 地被他擦得很干净 (The floor was wiped very clean by him). Mastering these variations will allow you to describe cleaning tasks with the same nuance as a native speaker.
- Common Adverbs
- 好好 (properly), 随便 (casually), 拼命 (desperately/with all effort), 每天 (every day).
他正在弯着腰擦地。(He is bending over mopping the floor.)
You will encounter the word 擦地 in a variety of real-world settings in China. The most common place is within the family home. Parents often use this word when assigning chores to children or discussing the household cleaning schedule. If you are living with a Chinese host family or roommates, you will likely hear phrases like '该擦地了' (Gāi cā dì le - It's time to mop the floor) or '谁来擦地?' (Shéi lái cā dì? - Who's going to mop the floor?). It is a staple of domestic vocabulary and essential for navigating daily life in a Chinese-speaking household.
- In Schools
- Chinese students often clean their own classrooms. You will hear teachers say, '值日生,记得擦地!' (Students on duty, remember to mop the floor!).
In the workplace or public spaces, you will see yellow warning signs that say '正在擦地,小心地滑' (Cleaning in progress, caution: slippery floor). This is perhaps the most frequent written encounter with the word for travelers. Security guards or maintenance staff in malls, airports, and office buildings are constantly 擦地 to maintain high standards of cleanliness. If you are in a restaurant and spill a drink, the waiter might say '我来擦一下地' (Wǒ lái cā yīxià dì - I'll come wipe the floor) as they rush over with a cloth or mop.
小心,阿姨刚擦过地。(Careful, the cleaning lady just mopped the floor.)
Television dramas and movies also feature this word, often in scenes depicting humble beginnings or domestic conflict. A character might be shown 擦地 as a sign of their hard-working nature or their role in a household. In literature, 擦地 can be used to set a scene of quiet domesticity or to emphasize a character's attention to detail. It is a word that grounds a story in the mundane but essential reality of life. Even in modern 'smart home' contexts, you might hear people talking about their '擦地机器人' (cā dì jīqìrén - floor-mopping robot), showing how the word has evolved with technology.
- In Public Signs
- Caution signs: '小心地滑,正在擦地' (Caution: Slippery, mopping in progress).
这个机器人可以自动擦地。(This robot can mop the floor automatically.)
Lastly, you will hear it in service industry training. Hotel staff are instructed on the proper way to 擦地 to ensure guest rooms are spotless. If you ever hire a '阿姨' (āyí - domestic helper), you will need to use this word to specify your cleaning preferences. For example, '请用这种清洁剂擦地' (Please use this cleaning agent to mop the floor). It is a practical, high-frequency word that bridges the gap between basic survival Chinese and fluent daily interaction.
- Professional Use
- Janitorial services, housekeeping, and facility management.
她靠给别人擦地供儿子上学。(She supported her son's education by mopping floors for others.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 擦地 (cā dì) with 扫地 (sǎodì). While both are cleaning actions for the floor, 扫地 means 'to sweep' with a broom, which is a dry process to remove dust and debris. 擦地, on the other hand, is a wet or damp process to remove stains and fine dust. Using '扫地' when you mean 'mopping' will lead to confusion, especially if you are asking for tools. If you ask for a broom (扫帚) to '擦地', a native speaker will be puzzled. Always remember: 扫 (sweep) comes before 擦 (wipe/mop).
- Mistake 1: Confusing 擦 (cā) and 扫 (sǎo)
- Incorrect: 我用扫帚擦地。(I use a broom to mop the floor.) Correct: 我用拖把擦地。(I use a mop to mop the floor.)
Another common error involves the misuse of the verb 拖 (tuō) versus 擦 (cā). While they are often interchangeable in the context of floor cleaning (拖地 vs 擦地), 擦 is more general and can refer to wiping with a cloth while on your knees, whereas 拖 specifically refers to using a mop (拖把). If you are specifically using a mop and want to be precise, 拖地 is better. However, 擦地 is never 'wrong' for mopping, but 拖地 might be 'wrong' if you are using a small rag to wipe a spot on the floor. Beginners often stick to one and forget the other; it's better to know both but use 擦地 as your 'safe' default for any wiping action.
错误:他正在扫地,因为地板上有水。(Wrong: He is sweeping because there is water on the floor. Correct: 擦地/拖地)
Grammatically, learners often forget that 擦地 is a verb-object compound. This leads to mistakes when adding duration or results. For example, saying '擦地了半个小时' is less natural than '擦了半个小时地'. In Chinese, the duration usually splits the verb and the object. Similarly, when using the 把 construction, some learners forget to include a resultative complement. Saying '把地擦' is incomplete; you must say '把地擦干净' (wipe the floor clean) or '把地擦一下' (wipe the floor a bit). The action must have a destination or a resulting state.
- Mistake 2: Word Order with Durations
- Incorrect: 我擦地一个小时。(I mop floor one hour.) Correct: 我擦了一个小时地。(I mopped for an hour.)
错误:我把地擦。(Wrong: I 'ba' floor wipe. Correct: 把地擦干净)
Lastly, be careful with the word 洗地 (xǐdì). While this also means 'to wash the floor,' it usually implies using a lot of water, perhaps with a hose or a heavy-duty machine, often outdoors or in a large industrial space. Using 洗地 for your living room might sound like you are flooding the house! For standard indoor cleaning, 擦地 or 拖地 are the appropriate terms. Avoid overcomplicating the verb when a simple 擦 will do the trick.
- Mistake 3: Overusing 'Wash' (洗)
- Don't say '洗地' for regular indoor mopping. It sounds too aggressive.
错误:我要去洗地了。(I'm going to 'wash' the floor. Better: 擦地/拖地)
The world of Chinese cleaning verbs is rich and nuanced. While 擦地 is a great all-purpose term, knowing the alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most common alternative is 拖地 (tuōdì). The verb 拖 (tuō) means 'to drag' or 'to pull,' which perfectly describes the motion of using a mop. In many regions, especially Southern China and Taiwan, 拖地 is the preferred term for mopping the floor. While 擦地 emphasizes the 'rubbing' action, 拖地 emphasizes the tool (the mop) and the 'dragging' motion. In most cases, they are interchangeable, but 拖地 is slightly more specific to the tool used.
- Comparison: 擦地 vs 拖地
- 擦地 (cā dì): General wiping/rubbing, can be with a rag or mop. 拖地 (tuō dì): Specifically mopping with a long-handled mop.
Another similar word is 抹地 (mā dì). The verb 抹 (mā/mǒ) also means to wipe or smear. However, 抹地 is much more common in Cantonese-influenced regions or Southeast Asian Mandarin (like in Singapore or Malaysia). In mainland China, 抹 is more commonly used for surfaces like tables (抹桌子) rather than floors. If you use 抹地 in Beijing, people will understand you, but it might sound a bit 'Southern' or dialect-influenced. It implies a lighter, quicker wiping motion than the more vigorous 擦.
南方人常说拖地,北方人常说擦地。(Southerners often say 'tuōdì', Northerners often say 'cādì'.)
For dry cleaning, as mentioned before, 扫地 (sǎodì) is the term for sweeping. In modern homes, you might also hear 吸地 (xīdì), which means 'to vacuum the floor' (from 吸尘器 xīchénqì - vacuum cleaner). If you are talking about a deep, industrial clean, you might use 刷地 (shuādì), which means 'to scrub the floor' with a brush (刷子 shuāzi). This implies a lot of friction and usually soap. Knowing these distinctions allows you to be very specific about the type of cleaning you are doing or requesting.
- Other Related Verbs
- 打蜡 (dǎlà - to wax the floor), 抛光 (pāoguāng - to polish), 铲地 (chǎndì - to scrape the floor).
别光扫地,还要擦地。(Don't just sweep, you also need to mop.)
Finally, in a more formal or written context, you might see the phrase 清洁地面 (qīngjié dìmiàn), which means 'to clean the floor surface.' This is common in technical manuals or professional cleaning contracts. However, in conversation, sticking to 擦地 or 拖地 will make you sound much more natural. The choice between them often comes down to regional habit, but having both in your vocabulary is a sign of a high-level learner.
- Summary of Hierarchy
- 1. 扫地 (Sweep) -> 2. 擦地/拖地 (Mop) -> 3. 打蜡 (Wax).
我刚吸完地,现在准备擦地。(I just finished vacuuming, now I'm preparing to mop.)
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
In ancient times, floors were made of earth or stone, and 'cleaning' them involved very different methods than modern '擦地'. The term became more common as indoor flooring materials like wood and tile evolved.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'c' as 'k' (it should be 'ts').
- Missing the aspiration on 'c'.
- Failing to drop the tone on 'dì'.
- Pronouncing 'a' as in 'cat' (it should be like 'ah').
- Mixing up 'dì' with 'de' (particle).
난이도
The character 擦 is stroke-heavy but common. 地 is very basic.
擦 has 17 strokes and can be difficult for beginners to write correctly.
Pronunciation is straightforward but requires attention to the aspirated 'c'.
High-frequency word, usually easy to pick out in context.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Verb-Object (VO) Compounds
擦 (Verb) + 地 (Object). Can be separated: 擦了一次地。
The 'Ba' Construction
把地擦干净。 (Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Result)
Resultative Complements
擦完 (finish wiping), 擦干净 (wipe clean).
Aspect Marker '了'
我擦了地。 (Shows the action is completed.)
Potential Complements
这块渍擦不掉。 (This stain cannot be wiped off.)
수준별 예문
我擦地。
I mop the floor.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
他在擦地。
He is mopping the floor.
Use of '在' to indicate an ongoing action.
妈妈擦地。
Mom mops the floor.
Basic VO compound usage.
我不擦地。
I don't mop the floor.
Negation using '不'.
这是擦地的布。
This is the cloth for wiping the floor.
Using '的' to create a descriptive phrase.
你会擦地吗?
Do you know how to mop the floor?
Question using '会...吗' for ability.
我们要擦地。
We need to mop the floor.
Using '要' to express necessity.
地很脏,擦地吧。
The floor is dirty, let's mop it.
Using '吧' for a suggestion.
我今天擦了地。
I mopped the floor today.
Use of '了' for completed action.
谁想擦地?
Who wants to mop the floor?
Question word '谁' as subject.
擦地以前要先扫地。
Before mopping the floor, you need to sweep first.
Using '...以前' to show sequence.
我正在厨房擦地呢。
I am currently mopping the floor in the kitchen.
Ongoing action with '正在...呢'.
这个地不好擦。
This floor is not easy to wipe.
Using '好/不好' + Verb for ease of action.
请帮我擦一下地。
Please help me wipe the floor a bit.
Using '一下' for a brief action.
他擦地擦得很慢。
He mops the floor very slowly.
Verb reduplication for descriptive complement.
你擦完地了吗?
Have you finished mopping the floor?
Resultative complement '完'.
我把地擦干净了。
I have wiped the floor clean.
The 'Ba' construction with resultative complement.
地还没擦干净,再擦一次。
The floor isn't clean yet, wipe it once more.
Frequency expression '一次' with VO verb.
他一边听音乐,一边擦地。
He mops the floor while listening to music.
Simultaneous actions with '一边...一边'.
如果你不擦地,家里会很脏。
If you don't mop the floor, the house will be very dirty.
Conditional sentence with '如果...就/会'.
我擦了一个小时地,累坏了。
I mopped the floor for an hour and am exhausted.
Duration inserted into the VO compound.
这块布是专门用来擦地的。
This cloth is specifically used for mopping the floor.
Purpose construction '用来...的'.
即使很累,他还是坚持擦地。
Even if he is tired, he still insists on mopping the floor.
Concessive sentence with '即使...还是'.
地被他擦得亮亮的。
The floor was wiped until it was shiny by him.
Passive 'Bei' construction with descriptive complement.
擦地虽然麻烦,但能让心情变好。
Although mopping is troublesome, it can make your mood better.
Concessive structure '虽然...但'.
他从小就帮父母擦地,非常懂事。
He has helped his parents mop the floor since he was young; he is very sensible.
Adverbial phrase of time '从小就'.
为了保持卫生,医院要求每天擦地三次。
In order to maintain hygiene, the hospital requires mopping the floor three times a day.
Purpose clause '为了' and frequency.
与其等别人来打扫,不如自己先擦地。
Rather than waiting for others to clean, it's better to mop the floor oneself first.
Preference structure '与其...不如'.
这个擦地机器人非常智能,能避开障碍物。
This floor-mopping robot is very smart; it can avoid obstacles.
Compound noun '擦地机器人'.
地刚擦完,你先别急着走进去。
The floor was just finished being mopped; don't be in a hurry to walk in.
Adverb '刚' and prohibitive '别急着'.
她一边抱怨,一边不得不弯腰擦地。
She complained while having to bend over and mop the floor.
Complex simultaneous actions.
只有认真擦地,才能把这些污垢去掉。
Only by mopping the floor earnestly can these stains be removed.
Conditional '只有...才'.
由于疏忽,他擦地时没注意到地上的裂缝。
Due to negligence, he didn't notice the crack on the floor while mopping.
Cause and effect with '由于'.
擦地这项繁琐的家务,往往能磨练人的耐心。
The tedious chore of mopping the floor often tempers one's patience.
Appositive phrase '这项繁琐的家务'.
他擦地时的专注程度,简直像是在创作一件艺术品。
His level of concentration while mopping is almost like he is creating a work of art.
Exaggeration with '简直像'.
尽管科技发达了,但很多人依然坚持亲手擦地。
Despite advanced technology, many people still insist on mopping the floor by hand.
Contrast with '尽管...但依然'.
地被擦得纤尘不染,显示出主人极高的生活要求。
The floor was wiped spotless, showing the owner's extremely high living standards.
Idiomatic result '纤尘不染'.
与其说他在擦地,不如说他在通过劳动寻找内心的平静。
It's not so much that he is mopping the floor as it is that he is finding inner peace through labor.
Rhetorical structure '与其说...不如说'.
在某些文化中,跪着擦地被视为一种谦卑的姿态。
In some cultures, mopping the floor while kneeling is seen as a humble gesture.
Passive '被视为'.
他这种敷衍了事的擦地方式,根本无法解决问题。
His perfunctory way of mopping the floor simply cannot solve the problem.
Descriptive phrase '敷衍了事'.
擦地之举,虽微不足道,却蕴含着对生活秩序的执着追求。
The act of mopping the floor, though insignificant, contains a persistent pursuit of life's order.
Literary '之' and '虽...却'.
在那段艰苦的岁月中,他靠着擦地维持生计,从未向命运低头。
During those hard years, he made a living by mopping floors and never bowed to fate.
Metaphorical and narrative style.
他将擦地视作一种冥想,在机械的重复中洗涤心灵的尘埃。
He regards mopping the floor as a form of meditation, washing away the dust of the soul in mechanical repetition.
Abstract and philosophical usage.
地板的纹理在反复的擦地过程中愈发清晰,仿佛记录了岁月的痕迹。
The texture of the floor became clearer through repeated mopping, as if recording the traces of time.
Poetic description.
这种近乎偏执的擦地行为,折射出他内心深处的焦虑与不安。
This almost paranoid behavior of mopping the floor reflects the anxiety and unease deep in his heart.
Psychological analysis.
无论是在豪宅还是陋室,擦地都是对居住空间最基本的尊重。
Whether in a mansion or a humble room, mopping the floor is the most basic respect for one's living space.
Universal conditional '无论'.
他笔下的擦地场景,生动地勾勒出了底层劳动者的真实生活状态。
The mopping scenes in his writing vividly outline the true living conditions of grassroots laborers.
Literary criticism style.
在这个物欲横流的时代,能够静下心来擦地的人已寥寥无几。
In this era of rampant materialism, few people can still calm their minds to mop the floor.
Social commentary style.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— The floor is finished being mopped.
地擦好了,你可以进来了。
— It's time to mop the floor.
地这么脏,该擦地了。
— Wipe the floor briefly/quickly.
这里有水,快擦一下地。
— Responsible for mopping the floor.
今天轮到你负责擦地。
— Water used for mopping (often with cleaner).
别把擦地水弄翻了。
— A floor cloth or wipe.
这种擦地巾很好用。
— The sound of mopping/wiping.
外面传来阵阵擦地声。
— A person whose job is to mop floors.
他在商场当擦地工。
— The posture one takes while mopping.
你的擦地姿势不对。
— Floor cleaning solution.
这种擦地清洁剂味道很好。
자주 혼동되는 단어
Sweep vs Mop. 扫 is dry; 擦 is wet.
Wash vs Wipe. 洗 implies much more water/hose.
Wipe table vs floor. Same verb, different object.
관용어 및 표현
— To keep one's eyes open; to be on the alert.
我们要擦亮眼睛,别被骗了。
Common— To turn someone out of the house; to expel.
他被老板扫地出门了。
Common— One's prestige is completely swept away (ruined).
这件事让他威信扫地。
Formal— To brush past someone; a narrow miss.
我和他擦肩而过,没认出来。
Common— To rub one's fists and palms; to be eager for a fight or task.
运动员们摩拳擦掌,准备比赛。
Common— To have one's feet on solid ground; to be down-to-earth.
做人要脚踏实地。
Common— Vast territory with a sparse population.
那个地方地广人稀。
Formal— Perfectly justified; right and proper.
欠债还钱是天经地义的事。
Common— The earth shakes and the mountains sway (huge impact).
爆炸声震得地动山摇。
Literary— Earth-shaking; world-turning (huge changes).
家乡发生了翻天覆地的变化。
Common혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean mopping.
擦地 is more general (cloth or mop); 拖地 is specifically with a mop.
北方人喜欢说擦地,南方人喜欢说拖地。
Both involve wiping.
抹 is often lighter or regional (Southern China/SE Asia).
他在新加坡习惯说抹地。
Both are floor cleaning.
刷 involves a brush and hard scrubbing.
浴室的地需要用刷子刷地。
Both clean floors.
吸 is vacuuming (dry suction).
地毯只能吸地,不能擦地。
Both involve the floor.
铲 means to scrape or shovel (e.g., ice or gum).
冬天他要在门口铲地上的冰。
문장 패턴
我 + 正在 + 擦地
我正在擦地。
Subject + 擦了 + Duration + 地
他擦了半天地。
把 + 地 + 擦 + 干净/完
请把地擦干净。
地 + 被 + 擦得 + Adjective
地被擦得亮晶晶的。
与其...不如...擦地
与其抱怨,不如动手擦地。
由于...所以...擦地
由于地脏了,所以我去擦地。
虽...却...擦地
他虽地位高,却亲自擦地。
无论...都...擦地
无论多忙,他都坚持擦地。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Very high in daily life and household contexts.
-
Using '扫地' for mopping.
→
擦地 / 拖地
扫地 is sweeping with a broom. 擦地 is wiping with water.
-
Saying '擦地干净' directly.
→
把地擦干净
In Chinese, you need the 'Ba' construction or a verb repeat (擦地擦得很干净) to describe the result.
-
Incorrect duration order: '我擦地一小时'。
→
我擦了一个小时地。
Duration goes between the verb and the object in VO compounds.
-
Using '洗地' for regular cleaning.
→
擦地
洗地 sounds like you are using a hose or a machine, which is too much for a normal room.
-
Missing the aspiration on 'cā' (sounds like 'zā').
→
cā (aspirated ts)
The 'c' in pinyin is always aspirated. Without the air, it sounds like 'z'.
팁
Using '了'
Put '了' after '擦' to show completion: '我擦了地'. Don't put it at the end if the object is simple.
Regional Differences
If you are in Shanghai or Guangdong, try using '拖地' more. In Beijing, '擦地' is very common.
House Rules
Always offer to help '擦地' if you spill something in a Chinese home; it's considered very polite.
Tone Accuracy
Make sure 'dì' is a strong 4th tone (falling). If it's flat, it might sound like 'low' (dī).
Stroke Order
The character '擦' has many strokes. Focus on the left 'hand' radical first, then the top 'house-like' part of '察'.
Warning Signs
If you see '正在擦地' on a sign, walk slowly! Chinese floors can be very slippery when wet.
Verb Reduplication
Use '擦一擦' (cā yī cā) to sound more casual, like 'give it a quick wipe'.
Tool Names
Learn '抹布' (rag) and '拖把' (mop) alongside '擦地' to complete your cleaning vocabulary.
Related Meanings
The '擦' in '擦地' is the same as in '擦亮' (to polish/brighten), which is used in many metaphors.
Modern Terms
'擦地机器人' is a great term to know if you live in a modern Chinese city where these are popular.
암기하기
기억법
Think of the 'C' in 'Cā' as a 'Cloth' rubbing the floor. 'Dì' sounds like 'Deep' - you are cleaning deep on the floor.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person kneeling with a bright red rag, rubbing a wooden floor until it reflects like a mirror.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to say 'I will mop the floor after I finish my homework' in Chinese: '我做完作业后会去擦地。'
어원
The character 擦 (cā) is a phono-semantic compound. The radical 扌 (hand) indicates an action performed by the hand, while 察 (chá) provides the phonetic hint. The character 地 (dì) is also a phono-semantic compound, with 土 (earth/soil) as the radical and 也 (yě) as the phonetic component.
원래 의미: 擦 originally meant to rub or scrape. 地 originally referred to the earth or ground.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch (Mandarin Chinese).문화적 맥락
Be mindful that in some contexts, asking someone to '擦地' can sound like a command; use '请' (please) or '帮我' (help me) to be polite.
In the West, mopping is often seen as a weekly chore, while in many Chinese homes, wiping or mopping the floor is a daily necessity due to the 'no shoes' policy.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
At Home
- 该擦地了。
- 地擦干净了吗?
- 我来擦地,你来扫地。
- 别把地弄脏了。
At School
- 值日生擦地。
- 教室的地要天天擦。
- 大家一起擦地。
- 擦地也是学习。
In a Restaurant
- 服务员,请擦一下地。
- 有人倒了饮料,快擦地。
- 正在擦地,请小心。
- 地很滑,刚擦过。
In an Office
- 保洁员在擦地。
- 请避开擦地区域。
- 地面需要定期擦拭。
- 擦地机器人坏了。
Shopping for Tools
- 我想买个擦地的拖把。
- 这种布擦地干净吗?
- 有没有自动擦地的机器?
- 擦地用的清洁剂在哪?
대화 시작하기
"你多久擦一次地? (How often do you mop the floor?)"
"你喜欢擦地还是扫地? (Do you prefer mopping or sweeping?)"
"你家有擦地机器人吗? (Do you have a mopping robot at home?)"
"擦地的时候,你喜欢听音乐吗? (Do you like listening to music while mopping?)"
"你觉得擦地累吗? (Do you think mopping the floor is tiring?)"
일기 주제
描述一下你今天做家务的过程,包括擦地。 (Describe your housework process today, including mopping.)
你认为保持地板干净重要吗?为什么? (Do you think keeping the floor clean is important? Why?)
写一段话,关于你第一次帮父母擦地的经历。 (Write a paragraph about the first time you helped your parents mop.)
如果有一个永远不需要擦地的房子,你会想住吗? (If there was a house that never needed mopping, would you want to live there?)
比较一下用拖把擦地和用布跪着擦地的区别。 (Compare the difference between mopping with a mop and wiping with a cloth while kneeling.)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 擦地 is for hard surfaces like wood, tile, or stone. For a carpet, you should use 吸地 (vacuum) or 清洗地毯 (clean carpet).
They are mostly interchangeable for 'mopping.' However, 擦地 can also mean wiping the floor with a rag on your knees, while 拖地 always implies using a mop (拖把).
You say '地是湿的' (Dì shì shī de) or '地滑' (Dì huá - the floor is slippery).
It is neutral. It's used in daily conversation, but in very formal documents, you might see '清洁地面'.
Yes! 擦桌子 (wipe table), 擦脸 (wipe face), 擦汗 (wipe sweat), 擦玻璃 (wipe glass).
A mop is called 拖把 (tuōbǎ).
Yes, you can say '我来擦一下地' to mean you'll wipe up the spill.
Yes, it is a Verb-Object compound. You can say '擦了地' or '擦擦地'.
You can say '我擦地擦累了' or '我不喜欢擦地'.
It is called a 擦地机器人 (cā dì jīqìrén).
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Translate: I am mopping the floor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Please wipe the floor clean.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I mopped the floor for 30 minutes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Who is responsible for mopping today?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I don't like mopping the floor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: The floor was mopped very clean.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Have you finished mopping?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I will mop the floor tomorrow.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: This robot can mop automatically.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Be careful, the floor is slippery.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Mom is mopping in the kitchen.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I use a wet cloth to mop.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: It's time to mop the floor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: He mops the floor every day.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: Don't step on the wet floor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I need to buy a new mop.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: The floor is too dirty.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: She mops very slowly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: I sweep first, then mop.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: My sister is helping me mop.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: 擦地 (cā dì)
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I'm mopping the floor' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Wipe it clean' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask: 'Who wants to mop?' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe your cleaning routine using '擦地'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why the floor is slippery.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell your roommate it's their turn to mop.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask for a mop in a store.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The floor is very clean' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I mopped for an hour' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Warn someone about the wet floor.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask if the robot is mopping.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say you finished mopping.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask someone to help you mop.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I sweep every day, but mop once a week'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: 把地擦干净 (bǎ dì cā gānjìng)
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Mopping is tiring'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the tool you use for 擦地.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I forgot to mop the floor'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain how to mop the floor to a child.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and write the pinyin: 擦地
Listen and translate: 我在擦地呢。
Listen and translate: 把地擦干净。
Listen and identify the action: (Sound of a mop dragging) -> 扫地 or 擦地?
Listen and translate: 擦完地再走。
Listen and translate: 小心地滑,正在擦地。
Listen and write the characters: cā dì
Listen and answer: 谁擦了地? (Audio: 爸爸擦了地。)
Listen and translate: 我擦了一个小时地。
Listen and translate: 这个机器人能擦地。
Listen and translate: 我不想擦地。
Listen and translate: 擦地很辛苦。
Listen and identify the object: 擦地用的布是什么?
Listen and translate: 别把刚擦的地踩脏了。
Listen and translate: 他正在弯腰擦地。
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
擦地 (cā dì) is the standard way to say 'mop the floor' in Chinese. Remember it is a two-part word where you can insert '了' or '完' to show completion. Example: 我把地擦干净了 (I mopped the floor clean).
- 擦地 means to mop or wipe the floor, a basic daily chore.
- It is a verb-object compound: 擦 (wipe) + 地 (floor).
- Commonly used in household, school, and professional cleaning contexts.
- Often paired with resultative complements like '干净' (clean) or '完' (finish).
Using '了'
Put '了' after '擦' to show completion: '我擦了地'. Don't put it at the end if the object is simple.
Regional Differences
If you are in Shanghai or Guangdong, try using '拖地' more. In Beijing, '擦地' is very common.
House Rules
Always offer to help '擦地' if you spill something in a Chinese home; it's considered very polite.
Tone Accuracy
Make sure 'dì' is a strong 4th tone (falling). If it's flat, it might sound like 'low' (dī).
예시
妈妈每天都会擦地。
관련 콘텐츠
home 관련 단어
经济实惠
B1Economical and affordable; good value for money.
空调
A1에어컨 (空调) 은 여름철 필수 가전제품입니다.
冷气
A2찬 공기; 에어컨. 방을 시원하게 하는 데 사용됩니다.
过道
A2'过道'는 건물 안의 복도나 통로를 의미합니다.
闹钟
A2알람 시계는 정해진 시간에 소리를 내어 사람을 깨우는 시계입니다.
整天
A2하루 종일. 그는 하루 종일 잠만 잔다.
独自
A2혼자서; 독자적으로. '그는 혼자서 여행하기로 결정했다.'
早就
A2나는 오래전부터 알고 있었다. (我早就知道了。)
已经到了
A2이미 도착했습니다.
总是这样
A2항상 이렇다. 그는 항상 이렇다.