洗澡
xǐzǎo
In Chinese, the English phrase 'bath' is typically expressed as a verb. If unsure, use 洗澡 (xǐzǎo). Wiktionary also lists 沐浴 (mùyù).
Meaning: act of bathing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 洗澡 | xǐzǎo |
| 沐浴 | mùyù |
The term for a bath is generally used as a verb rather than a standalone noun.
Which one should you use?
While 洗澡 is the standard way to say 'take a bath', 沐浴 is a more formal or literary term often used in poetic contexts or to describe being bathed in something like sunlight or grace. Additionally, 泡澡 is an informal way to say 'bath' specifically when implying soaking in water for relaxation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
洗澡 is a verb-object construction. Because of this structure, you cannot insert an object between 洗 and 澡.
How do you pronounce it?
xǐzǎo
Did you know?
- The informal 泡澡 literally means 'to soak a bath', using the word 泡 which is also used for steeping tea or marinating food.
- The formal word 沐浴 is frequently used in the idiom 沐浴焚香, which describes the ritual purification of bathing and burning incense before praying to ancestors.
- The character 沐 in 沐浴 originally referred to the act of washing one's hair, a specific component of the bathing process.
Examples in context
- 我每晚洗澡。I take a bath every night.This sentence is useful for expressing a nightly routine using 洗澡.Tatoeba #707281 by Yashanti, translation #707284 by CK
- 我能在哪裡洗澡？Where can I take a bath?This sentence is useful for asking about the location to use 洗澡.Tatoeba #6923186 by verdastelo9604, translation #2459517 by sharptoothed
- 一般我在晚上洗澡。I usually have my bath at night.This sentence is useful for describing the usual time for 洗澡.Tatoeba #6014674 by xjjAstrus, translation #7856308 by basilhan
- 洗澡对皮肤很好，可以让你感觉清爽和放松。Taking a bath is good for the skin and can make you feel refreshed and relaxed.
- 我喜欢在温暖的水中沐浴，这样可以放松身心。I enjoy bathing in warm water as it helps me relax both physically and mentally.
- 我今天有点累，打算回家泡个澡，然后放松一下。I'm a bit tired today, so I plan to go home and take a bath to relax.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home, a husband is asking his wife about her plans.
- 志强 Zhiqiang妳準備要洗澡嗎？Nǐ zhǔnbèi yào xǐzǎo ma?Are you preparing to take a bath?
- 梓涵 Zihan對，我等一下要洗澡。Duì, wǒ děng yīxià yào xǐzǎo.Yes, I am going to take a bath in a moment.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那妳洗澡後休息吧。Nà nǐ xǐzǎo hòu xiūxi ba.Then please rest after your bath.
- 梓涵 Zihan謝謝老公，我累了。Xièxiè lǎogōng, wǒ lèi le.Thanks, hubby, I am tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bath” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
