To wipe and clean window glass, removing dirt and smudges.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Action of cleaning window panes.
- Uses wiping motion and cleaning agents.
- Common household chore vocabulary.
Overview
擦窗户（cā chuānghu）是一个非常实用的汉语动词短语，直接翻译为“to clean windows”。它描述了一个日常生活中常见的家务活动，即清洁窗户玻璃。这个短语由动词“擦”（cā，to wipe, to rub）和名词“窗户”（chuānghu，window）组成。在A2级别，学习者能够理解和使用这类描述基本家务活动的词汇，为交流和日常生活提供便利。
“擦窗户”通常作为一个完整的动词短语使用，后面可以跟宾语（窗户），或者在某些语境下省略宾语，因为“擦”本身就可以表示清洁的动作。它可以用于描述主动的清洁行为，也可以作为指令或请求。例如：我需要擦窗户；请帮我擦一下窗户；妈妈在擦窗户。
这个词语最常出现在家庭环境、日常对话、家政服务相关的讨论中。例如：
商业场所：商店、办公室等也需要定期擦窗户以保持形象。
与“擦窗户”相似的词语包括“清洁窗户”（qīngjié chuānghu）和“抹窗”（mǒ chuāng，粤语地区常用）。
- 清洁窗户：这是一个更正式、更书面的说法，含义与“擦窗户”基本相同，但“清洁”比“擦”的范围更广，可以指各种清洁方式。
- 抹窗：在某些方言区，尤其是在广东话地区，“抹”字常用来指擦拭表面，所以“抹窗”和“擦窗户”意思一样，但“擦”在普通话中更常用。
- 洗窗户（xǐ chuānghu）：虽然也可以理解，但“洗”通常指用水冲洗，而擦窗户更多是用抹布等工具擦拭，所以“擦”更贴切。
Examples
我周末要把家里的窗户都擦一遍。
everydayI need to clean all the windows in my house this weekend.
请保洁人员定期来擦窗户。
formalPlease have the cleaning staff come regularly to clean the windows.
这窗户太脏了，得好好擦擦。
informalThese windows are too dirty, they need a good wipe.
建筑维护合同中包含了定期擦窗户的服务。
academicThe building maintenance contract includes regular window cleaning services.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
擦干净窗户
wipe the windows clean
擦窗户的工具
window cleaning tools
擦窗户的时间
time for window cleaning
Often Confused With
'擦窗户' specifically refers to cleaning window panes, while '擦桌子' means to wipe a table. Both use the verb '擦' (to wipe), but the object being cleaned is different.
'洗车' means to wash a car, involving water and soap. '擦窗户' is about wiping windows, often with a damp cloth and cleaner, not necessarily a full wash.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is very common in everyday spoken Chinese. It's a direct and practical description of a household task. It can be used in requests, statements of action, or descriptions of chores. The verb '擦' is key here, indicating the wiping motion used.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '擦' (wipe) with '洗' (wash) or '刷' (brush). While '洗窗户' is understandable, '擦窗户' is the standard and most idiomatic way to say it. Ensure the object '窗户' (window) is correctly associated with the action.
Tips
Make windows sparkle easily
Use a squeegee after applying cleaning solution for streak-free results. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
Avoid direct sunlight cleaning
Cleaning windows in direct, hot sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and making it harder to achieve a clear finish.
Symbolism of clean windows
In Chinese culture, clean windows symbolize clarity, openness, and a fresh start, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year when homes are thoroughly cleaned.
Word Origin
The phrase is a straightforward combination of '擦' (cā), meaning 'to wipe' or 'to rub', and '窗户' (chuānghu), meaning 'window'. It literally translates to 'wipe window'. The character '擦' itself implies friction to remove dirt.
Cultural Context
Keeping windows clean is a part of general household tidiness valued in Chinese culture. Especially before festivals like Chinese New Year, thorough cleaning, including windows, is performed to welcome good fortune and a fresh start.
Memory Tip
Imagine 'chasing' (sounds like 'cā') the dirt off your 'window' ('chuānghu') with a cloth!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“擦窗户”更侧重于用抹布等工具进行擦拭的动作，是日常口语中更常用的说法。而“清洁窗户”是一个更广泛的概念，可以包含擦拭、冲洗等多种清洁方式，也更书面化一些。
通常需要用到抹布、刮水器（玻璃刮刀）、水桶、清洁剂（如玻璃清洁剂或肥皂水）等。有时也可以用报纸来擦拭，可以使玻璃更亮。
当窗户玻璃上积聚了灰尘、污渍、手印或者雨水痕迹，影响到室内采光或视野时，就需要擦窗户了。很多人习惯定期（如每周或每月）进行一次大扫除，其中包括擦窗户。
在非常口语化的场合，有时人们会直接说“擦玻璃”（cā bōli），意思是一样的，因为窗户的主要部分就是玻璃。
Test Yourself
下雨后，窗户上都是水痕，我得赶紧 ______。
句意是说窗户上有水痕需要处理，‘擦窗户’是清洁窗户最直接的动作。
为了让房间更明亮，我们需要定期 ______。
干净的窗户能让房间显得更明亮，‘擦窗户’是实现这一目标的关键家务活动。
词语：妈妈，在，窗户，擦，今天
这是一个描述当前状态的句子，主语是‘妈妈’，谓语是‘在擦窗户’，‘今天’是时间状语，放在句首或句中都可以，但‘今天妈妈在擦窗户’是最自然的语序。
Score: /3
Summary
To wipe and clean window glass, removing dirt and smudges.
- Action of cleaning window panes.
- Uses wiping motion and cleaning agents.
- Common household chore vocabulary.
Make windows sparkle easily
Use a squeegee after applying cleaning solution for streak-free results. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
Avoid direct sunlight cleaning
Cleaning windows in direct, hot sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and making it harder to achieve a clear finish.
Symbolism of clean windows
In Chinese culture, clean windows symbolize clarity, openness, and a fresh start, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year when homes are thoroughly cleaned.
Examples
4 of 4我周末要把家里的窗户都擦一遍。
I need to clean all the windows in my house this weekend.
请保洁人员定期来擦窗户。
Please have the cleaning staff come regularly to clean the windows.
这窗户太脏了，得好好擦擦。
These windows are too dirty, they need a good wipe.
建筑维护合同中包含了定期擦窗户的服务。
The building maintenance contract includes regular window cleaning services.
