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B2 verb 9 min read

擦拭

cashi
Examples 擦拭 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 擦拭 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of '擦拭' (cāshì) as a fancy way to say 'wipe.' At this stage, you mostly learn '擦' (cā) for simple actions like wiping a table. '擦拭' is a bit more formal. Imagine you have a dirty table, and you use a cloth to make it clean. That is the basic idea. You might see this word on a sign or in a very simple instruction. Even if you don't use it yet, knowing it means 'to wipe clean' is helpful. You can remember it by thinking of '擦' (rubbing) and '拭' (cleaning). It is usually used with things like tables, chairs, or windows. For example, '擦拭桌子' (wipe the table). It is a good word to recognize when you see people cleaning things carefully. At this level, don't worry too much about the formal tone; just focus on the physical action of using a cloth to remove dirt. It is a step up from just 'cleaning' because it tells you *how* the cleaning is being done—by wiping.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to see more two-character verbs. '擦拭' (cāshì) is one of them. It is more specific than just 'cleaning' (打扫). While '打扫' is for a whole room, '擦拭' is for a specific object. You use it when you want to describe someone wiping something with a cloth or a piece of paper. For example, '他在擦拭窗户' (He is wiping the window). You might also hear it in instructions for simple devices, like '用干布擦拭' (wipe with a dry cloth). At this level, you should try to use it when you are talking about cleaning specific surfaces like mirrors, screens, or furniture. It makes your Chinese sound a bit more advanced and precise. You can also start to use it with result words like '干净' (clean). For example, '把手擦拭干净' (wipe your hands clean). It is a very practical word for describing household chores or personal hygiene in a clear way.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between '擦' (cā) and '擦拭' (cāshì). You will encounter '擦拭' in more formal contexts, like in a doctor's office or when reading a manual for a new camera. It implies a certain level of care and thoroughness. For instance, a nurse might '擦拭' your arm before giving you a shot. You will also see it used in the '把' (bǎ) construction, which is very common: '请把这些玻璃杯擦拭一遍' (Please wipe these glasses once). At this level, you can also use it to describe more delicate actions, like wiping away sweat or tears. It shows you understand the nuance that '擦拭' is not just about dirt, but about any liquid or substance on a surface. You are moving beyond basic survival Chinese and starting to use words that convey a specific manner of action. Using '擦拭' instead of just '擦' shows you are paying attention to the formal register of the language.
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At the B2 level, '擦拭' (cāshì) is a word you should use comfortably in both written and spoken Chinese. You understand that it carries a sense of professionalism and meticulousness. It is the standard term used in technical manuals, medical procedures, and formal maintenance instructions. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as '维修人员正在仔细地擦拭精密仪器的表面' (The maintenance staff is carefully wiping the surface of the precision instrument). You also recognize its metaphorical uses in literature, where it might describe 'wiping away the dust of time' or 'cleansing the soul.' At this level, you should also be aware of its synonyms like '抹' (mǒ) or '揩' (kāi) and know why '擦拭' is the better choice for formal or careful cleaning. You are expected to use it with appropriate adverbs like '轻轻地' (gently) or '反复地' (repeatedly) to describe the process in detail. It is a key word for achieving a professional or academic tone in your Chinese communication.
At the C1 level, your mastery of '擦拭' (cāshì) includes a deep understanding of its stylistic value. You use it to provide precise descriptions in formal reports or creative writing. You might use it to describe the restoration of an ancient painting or the preparation of a high-tech laboratory. The word choice reflects your ability to navigate different registers of Chinese. You understand the historical roots of the character '拭' and how it adds a literary or formal flavor to the compound. In a C1 context, you might discuss the '擦拭' of historical artifacts as a form of cultural preservation. You can also use it in abstract ways, such as '擦拭心灵的窗户' (wiping the windows of the soul), to discuss mental clarity or self-reflection. Your usage is not just about the physical act but about the implications of the act—care, precision, and the transition from dirty to clean, or from obscured to clear. You can analyze the rhythmic effect of the word in a sentence and how it contributes to the overall tone of a passage.
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At the C2 level, '擦拭' (cāshì) is a tool in your extensive vocabulary that you use with complete native-like intuition. You can appreciate its use in classical-style modern prose or in highly technical scientific papers. You might explore the subtle differences between '擦拭' and even more obscure or specialized terms in various dialects or professional jargons. In a C2 level discussion, you might analyze how the act of '擦拭' is portrayed in Chinese cinema or literature to convey themes of domesticity, devotion, or obsession with cleanliness. You can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps contrasting the physical '擦拭' of an object with the metaphorical '擦拭' of a reputation or a historical record. Your command of the word allows you to use it in any context, from the most mundane to the most sublime, with perfect accuracy and stylistic appropriateness. You understand its place in the broader landscape of Chinese verbs of action and how it interacts with other linguistic elements to create complex meanings.
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Examples

擦拭 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal verb meaning to wipe or clean a surface thoroughly.
  • Commonly used for delicate objects, medical hygiene, and technical maintenance.
  • Often appears in the 'ba' construction (把...擦拭干净) to show result.
  • Conveys a sense of care and meticulousness compared to simple '擦'.

The Chinese verb 擦拭 (cāshì) is a sophisticated and precise term that translates to 'to wipe' or 'to clean by wiping.' While the single character 擦 (cā) is common in daily speech for rubbing or wiping, adding 拭 (shì) elevates the action to something more deliberate, thorough, and often gentler. It is a compound verb where both characters contribute to the meaning: cā implies the friction of rubbing, and shì emphasizes the removal of dust or liquid. This word is frequently encountered in contexts requiring care, such as cleaning a delicate lens, maintaining a piece of art, or even the clinical act of cleaning a wound. It suggests a level of attention to detail that simple 'cleaning' might lack. When you use 擦拭, you are not just removing dirt; you are performing a ritual of maintenance or restoration. It is the difference between a quick swipe with a rag and the careful, methodical cleaning of a precious heirloom.

Physical Action
The action involves moving a cloth, tissue, or sponge across a surface to remove moisture, dust, or stains. It requires direct contact and a degree of pressure, though usually controlled.
Formal Register
This term is more likely to be found in written instructions, medical reports, or formal descriptions than in casual street slang, where just '擦' might suffice.

请用柔软的布轻轻擦拭镜头，以免划伤表面。

Please use a soft cloth to gently wipe the lens to avoid scratching the surface.

In a broader sense, 擦拭 can also be used metaphorically. For instance, one might 'wipe away' tears (擦拭泪水), which carries a more empathetic and tender connotation than the more abrupt 'wiping' of a kitchen counter. In literature, it can describe the act of clearing one's vision or even a spiritual cleansing. The word conveys a sense of process—there is a beginning, a duration of careful rubbing, and a clean result. It is often paired with adverbs like qīngqīng (gently), zǐxì (carefully), or fùfù (repeatedly), which further highlights the meticulous nature of the action. Whether it is a scientist preparing a slide or a parent cleaning a child's face, 擦拭 captures the essence of focused cleaning.

护士正在为患者擦拭伤口周围的皮肤。

The nurse is wiping the skin around the patient's wound.

Furthermore, the cultural nuance of 擦拭 involves a respect for the object. In Chinese culture, where many traditional arts involve delicate materials like silk, lacquerware, or jade, the act of 擦拭 is seen as a way of 'nourishing' the object through care. It is not just about hygiene; it is about preservation. When you read this word in a manual for a high-end watch or a piano, it signals that the item is valuable and requires specific maintenance procedures. The dual-syllable nature of the word provides a rhythmic weight that matches the slow, steady movement of the hand during the cleaning process.

Using 擦拭 (cāshì) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a transitive verb. The most common structure is Subject + [Adverb] + 擦拭 + Object. Because it is an action that implies a result (cleanliness), it is often followed by resultative complements or used in the bǎ construction to emphasize the disposal or change of state of the object.

The 'Ba' Construction
This is extremely common: 把 + Object + 擦拭 + 干净 (clean). This emphasizes the completion of the task.

他把桌子擦拭得一尘不染。

He wiped the table until it was spotless.

Another important pattern involves the use of instruments. You often specify what you are using to wipe. The pattern is 用 + Instrument + 擦拭 + Object. This is vital in technical writing, such as medical instructions or electronic device manuals. Common instruments include 抹布 (mābù - rag), 酒精棉 (jiǔjīng mián - alcohol cotton), or 纸巾 (zhǐjīn - tissue).

维修人员用干布擦拭电路板上的灰尘。

The maintenance worker used a dry cloth to wipe the dust off the circuit board.

When describing a continuous or habitual action, 擦拭 can be used with 着 (zhe). For example, 他正擦拭着那把古老的剑 (He is currently wiping that ancient sword). This creates a vivid image of the ongoing process. Additionally, it can be used in passive sentences with 被 (bèi), though this is less common unless the focus is strictly on the object being cleaned.

Finally, consider the emotional context. In literature, 擦拭 is used to describe tender moments. 母亲轻轻擦拭着孩子的眼泪 (The mother gently wiped the child's tears). Here, the word choice conveys a sense of love and protection that a simpler word like mǒ (smear/wipe) might not. It suggests that the actor is taking their time, being careful not to cause pain. This versatility—from cleaning a dirty machine to comforting a crying child—makes 擦拭 a vital word for B2 level learners to master for both practical and expressive purposes.

You will encounter 擦拭 (cāshì) in several specific domains of modern Chinese life. First and foremost is the medical and hygiene sector. If you visit a hospital or clinic in China, you will frequently hear nurses use this word. Whether they are preparing your skin for an injection with an alcohol swab or cleaning a surgical instrument, they will use 擦拭. It sounds professional and sterile. In health education materials, instructions like 'wiping the thermometer' or 'cleaning the area around a cut' will almost always use this term.

Art and Museums
Curators and restorers use this word when discussing the maintenance of artifacts. It implies the high level of care required for historical objects.

在博物馆里，工作人员每天都要定期擦拭展示柜。

In the museum, staff must regularly wipe the display cases every day.

The technology and manufacturing industries are another major domain. Manuals for smartphones, cameras, and high-precision machinery will use 擦拭 in their maintenance sections. For example, 'wipe the fingerprint sensor' or 'clean the optical surface.' In these contexts, the word emphasizes that the action must be done correctly to avoid damaging the sensitive equipment. It is also common in the automotive industry, particularly regarding high-end car detailing and the cleaning of interior leather or delicate dashboard components.

In daily life, you might hear it in high-end service environments. At a luxury hotel, a manager might instruct staff to 'wipe the bronze statues' or 'clean the crystal chandeliers.' In these settings, 擦拭 reflects a standard of excellence and meticulousness. It is also used in the context of personal grooming or beauty; for instance, a makeup artist might talk about 'wiping away' excess powder or cleaning brushes. Finally, in news reports or documentaries, you might hear it when describing the aftermath of an event, like 'volunteers wiping the dust from a disaster-stricken school,' adding a layer of dignity and care to the description of the labor involved.

One of the most common errors learners make is confusing 擦拭 (cāshì) with the more basic 擦 (cā). While they are often interchangeable, using 擦拭 in a very casual or rough context can sound overly formal or even slightly odd. For instance, if you are just quickly wiping some spilled water off a floor with a mop, you would usually just say 擦地 (cā dì). Using 擦拭 here would imply you are cleaning the floor with the precision of a jeweler cleaning a diamond.

Confusion with 洗 (xǐ)
Learners often use 'wash' (洗) when they should use 'wipe' (擦拭). Remember: xǐ involves immersion or a lot of water; cāshì is about surface contact with a cloth or tissue.

错误：他用布洗桌子上的灰尘。

Incorrect: He used a cloth to 'wash' the dust on the table. (Should be 擦拭)

Another mistake is confusing 擦拭 with 刷 (shuā - to brush). Shuā implies the use of a brush with bristles and usually a more vigorous, repetitive motion. You shuā your teeth or a dirty shoe, but you 擦拭 a pair of glasses. Using the wrong verb can lead to confusion about the tools being used. Similarly, 抹 (mǒ) can mean to wipe, but it often carries the connotation of 'smearing' or applying something (like cream or paint). If you say you mǒ a window, it might sound like you are spreading dirt around rather than cleaning it off.

Finally, pay attention to the resultative complements. A common mistake is forgetting to include 干净 (gānjìng - clean) or 干 (gān - dry) when the goal of the wiping is to achieve that state. While 擦拭 implies cleaning, in Chinese grammar, adding the result makes the sentence feel complete and natural. For example, instead of just saying 'I wiped the table,' it is more native to say 'I wiped the table clean' (我把桌子擦拭干净了). Understanding these subtle distinctions will help you move from basic communication to a more nuanced and accurate use of the language.

To truly master 擦拭 (cāshì), you should understand how it compares to its synonyms. Each word in this family has a specific 'flavor' or context where it fits best. Choosing the right one shows you have a high level of linguistic sensitivity.

擦 (cā)
The most general term. It can mean wipe, rub, or scrape. It is used for everything from wiping a table to rubbing one's eyes. It is less formal than 擦拭.
拭 (shì)
Rarely used alone in modern spoken Chinese, but common in literature. It implies a very light, elegant wipe. You might see it in the phrase '拭目以待' (wait and see, literally 'wipe one's eyes and wait').
抹 (mǒ)
Can mean to wipe, but often implies a spreading motion. It is used for wiping a table casually or applying ointment. It is more informal than 擦拭.

比较：
1. 随便抹一下桌子 (Casually wipe the table)
2. 仔细擦拭古董 (Carefully wipe the antique)

Other alternatives include 揩 (kāi), which is somewhat dialectal or old-fashioned, often used in phrases like 揩油 (to take advantage of, literally 'wipe oil'). Then there is 打扫 (dǎsǎo), which means 'to clean' in a general sense, involving sweeping, mopping, and tidying up an entire room. 擦拭 is a sub-action of dǎsǎo. If you are cleaning a whole house, you dǎsǎo; if you are specifically cleaning the dust off a trophy, you 擦拭 it.

In technical contexts, you might also see 清洗 (qǐngxǐ), which means 'to clean/wash' but often implies a more thorough process, perhaps involving chemicals or ultrasonic baths. 擦拭 is more about the physical contact with a tool. Understanding these differences allows you to describe cleaning activities with the precision of a native speaker, ensuring your meaning is clear whether you are talking about household chores or professional maintenance.

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Examples by Level

1

请擦拭桌子。

Please wipe the table.

Simple Imperative: Verb + Object.

2

他在擦拭椅子。

He is wiping the chair.

Present continuous with '在'.

3

我擦拭窗户。

I wipe the window.

Subject + Verb + Object.

4

用毛巾擦拭。

Wipe with a towel.

Instrumental phrase: 用 + Tool + Verb.

5

擦拭干净。

Wipe it clean.

Verb + Resultative Complement (干净).

6

每天擦拭。

Wipe every day.

Adverbial of frequency + Verb.

7

擦拭手。

Wipe hands.

Verb + Body part.

8

不要擦拭。

Do not wipe.

Negative imperative: 不要 + Verb.

1

请把桌子擦拭干净。

Please wipe the table clean.

Ba construction: 把 + Object + Verb + Result.

2

他在仔细地擦拭镜子。

He is carefully wiping the mirror.

Adverbial with '地'.

3

你可以用这张纸巾擦拭。

You can use this tissue to wipe.

Modal verb '可以'.

4

妈妈在擦拭地上的水。

Mom is wiping the water on the floor.

Describing a specific location.

5

请擦拭一下你的眼镜。

Please wipe your glasses for a bit.

Verbal classifier '一下' indicating a brief action.

6

他在擦拭那台旧电脑。

He is wiping that old computer.

Demonstrative '那台'.

7

我们要定期擦拭家具。

We need to regularly wipe the furniture.

Adverb '定期' (regularly).

8

擦拭后，表面很亮。

After wiping, the surface is very bright.

Time phrase: Action + 后.

1

护士用酒精棉擦拭我的手臂。

The nurse wiped my arm with an alcohol cotton ball.

Specific medical context usage.

2

他轻轻地擦拭着眼角的泪水。

He was gently wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Continuous aspect '着' with emotional context.

3

这台机器需要每天擦拭保养。

This machine needs daily wiping and maintenance.

Compound verb '擦拭保养'.

4

请务必用干布擦拭电子设备。

Please be sure to wipe electronic devices with a dry cloth.

Formal adverb '务必' (must).

5

他把奖杯擦拭得闪闪发光。

He wiped the trophy until it sparkled.

Degree complement '得' + Idiom '闪闪发光'.

6

在涂药之前，先擦拭伤口。

Before applying medicine, wipe the wound first.

Sequence: 之前... 先...

7

她正在擦拭那些昂贵的瓷器。

She is wiping those expensive porcelains.

Plural demonstrative '那些'.

8

汗水顺着脸颊流下，他不停地擦拭。

Sweat ran down his cheeks, and he kept wiping it.

Adverb '不停地' (incessantly).

1

维修手册建议用专用清洁剂擦拭镜头。

The maintenance manual suggests wiping the lens with a specialized cleaner.

Formal reporting verb '建议'.

2

由于长期没有擦拭，玻璃上积满了灰尘。

Because it hadn't been wiped for a long time, the glass was covered in dust.

Causal construction '由于...'

3

他正在小心翼翼地擦拭那件珍贵的文物。

He is very cautiously wiping that precious cultural relic.

Four-character idiom adverb '小心翼翼地'.

4

这种材料不宜用湿布擦拭。

This material should not be wiped with a wet cloth.

Formal negative '不宜' (not suitable).

5

她反复擦拭着那张旧照片，陷入了回忆。

She repeatedly wiped the old photo, lost in memories.

Narrative structure with emotional depth.

6

在进入无尘车间前，必须擦拭鞋底。

Before entering the cleanroom, the soles of the shoes must be wiped.

Conditional context '在...前'.

7

这种清洁湿巾专门用于擦拭屏幕。

These cleaning wipes are specifically for wiping screens.

Purpose construction '专门用于'.

8

他把每一个角落都擦拭到了。

He wiped every single corner.

Resultative '到' indicating thoroughness.

1

古籍修复专家正以极度的耐心擦拭着书页上的霉斑。

The ancient book restoration expert is wiping the mold spots on the pages with extreme patience.

Prepositional phrase '以...的耐心'.

2

岁月的痕迹无法通过简单的擦拭而消除。

The marks of time cannot be eliminated through simple wiping.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

3

他试图擦拭掉心中那段痛苦的记忆，但这谈何容易。

He tried to wipe away that painful memory in his heart, but it was easier said than done.

Metaphorical extension to psychological state.

4

实验室要求对所有接触过样品的器皿进行深度擦拭。

The laboratory requires deep wiping of all vessels that have come into contact with samples.

Formal requirement structure '要求对...进行'.

5

这种漆器在擦拭时需格外留意其光泽度的变化。

When wiping this lacquerware, one must pay extra attention to changes in its luster.

Technical observation with '需格外留意'.

6

他俯下身，专注地擦拭着墓碑上的刻字。

He leaned down, intently wiping the inscriptions on the tombstone.

Vivid descriptive verbs '俯下身', '专注地'.

7

通过不断的擦拭与磨砺，这块原石终于显露出了玉润的光泽。

Through constant wiping and grinding, this rough stone finally revealed its jade-like luster.

Parallel structure '擦拭与磨砺'.

8

这种精密仪器的日常维护离不开细致的擦拭。

The daily maintenance of this precision instrument is inseparable from meticulous wiping.

Negative construction '离不开' (cannot do without).

1

他在文字间反复擦拭，力求剔除一切冗余的修饰。

He 'wiped' through the text repeatedly, striving to eliminate all redundant ornaments.

Highly metaphorical use for literary editing.

2

那份孤独感如同窗外的雾气，任凭如何擦拭也难以消散。

That sense of loneliness was like the mist outside the window; no matter how one wiped, it was hard to dissipate.

Complex simile and '任凭...也' structure.

3

在历史的长河中，真相往往被层层迷雾所掩盖，需要后人不断去擦拭。

In the long river of history, the truth is often covered by layers of mist, requiring future generations to constantly 'wipe' it clean.

Philosophical use regarding historical truth.

4

他那双布满老茧的手，却能如此轻柔地擦拭着妻子的面庞。

His calloused hands could nonetheless wipe his wife's face so gently.

Contrastive structure showing character depth.

5

这种工艺对擦拭的力度与角度有着近乎苛刻的要求。

This craft has almost harsh requirements for the strength and angle of the wiping.

Academic description of craftsmanship.

6

唯有不断擦拭心灵的尘埃，方能保持本性的澄澈。

Only by constantly wiping the dust of the soul can one maintain the clarity of their true nature.

Classical philosophical phrasing '唯有...方能'.

7

他将毕生的精力都投入到了对这些残损碑刻的擦拭与研究中。

He devoted his life's energy to the wiping and study of these damaged stone inscriptions.

Comprehensive sentence structure '将...投入到...中'.

8

擦拭之间，那件被尘封多年的古琴重新焕发了神采。

In the process of wiping, that ancient zither, which had been covered in dust for years, regained its spirit.

Temporal phrase '擦拭之间' (during the wiping).

Common Collocations

反复擦拭
轻轻擦拭
仔细擦拭
用布擦拭
擦拭干净
擦拭伤口
定期擦拭
擦拭灰尘
擦拭泪水
酒精擦拭

Common Phrases

擦拭一新

— To wipe something so it looks brand new.

经过他的擦拭，旧自行车焕然一新。

反复擦拭

— To wipe repeatedly to ensure cleanliness.

由于污渍顽固，他不得不反复擦拭。

酒精擦拭

— Wiping with alcohol for disinfection.

护士在打针前进行了酒精擦拭。

轻轻擦拭

— Wiping gently to avoid damage.

对精密的零件要轻轻擦拭。

擦拭灰尘

— Wiping away dust.

周末我会擦拭家里所有的灰尘。

用干布擦拭

— Wiping with a dry cloth.

说明书说要用干布擦拭屏幕。

擦拭不掉

— Cannot be wiped away.

这个印记太深了，怎么也擦拭不掉。

擦拭泪痕

— Wiping away the marks of tears.

她低头擦拭着脸上的泪痕。

全面擦拭

— Wiping all over thoroughly.

大扫除时，我们要对柜子进行全面擦拭。

擦拭机器

— Wiping/Maintaining machinery.

工人每天下班前都要擦拭机器。

Idioms & Expressions

"拭目以待"

— To wipe one's eyes and wait; to wait and see how things develop.

结果如何，我们拭目以待。

Formal/Common
"拭泪而别"

— To wipe away tears and say goodbye.

他们拭泪而别，不知何时能再见。

Literary
"一尘不染"

— Not a speck of dust; spotless (often the result of 擦拭).

他把房间擦拭得一尘不染。

Neutral
"焕然一新"

— To take on an entirely new look (often after 擦拭).

旧屋经过擦拭和粉刷，焕然一新。

Neutral
"刮目相看"

— To look at someone with new eyes (related to the idea of 'wiping' one's eyes).

他的进步让人刮目相看。

Common
"磨砺以须"

— To sharpen one's weapons and wait (related to maintenance).

战士们磨砺以须，准备战斗。

Literary
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

wipe English
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