洗澡
xǐzǎo
To take a bath in Chinese is 洗澡 (xǐzǎo).
The phrase 洗澡 is the most common and standard way to say "take a bath" or "bathe" in Chinese.
Meaning: to lose (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 洗 (xǐ), meaning 'to wash' and 澡 (zǎo), meaning 'bath' or 'wash'.
Which one should you use?
While 洗澡 is the standard term, 泡澡 (pào zǎo) is a colloquial way to convey the idea of taking a bath and specifically implies the act of soaking in water. Additionally, 洗个澡 (xǐ gè zǎo) is an informal version often used to imply a quick bath or shower.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 洗澡 is a separable verb. This means you can insert other words, such as a duration or a measure word, between the two characters. For example, 洗个澡 (xǐ ge zǎo) means 'take a quick bath'.
How do you pronounce it?
xǐzǎo
Did you know?
- The term 泡澡 (pào zǎo), meaning to soak in a bath, uses the character 泡 (pào), which also means 'bubble' or 'to steep'. This is the same character used when steeping tea or marinating food.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the act of 洗澡 was historically linked to spiritual purification. Ancient texts describe ritual bathing to cleanse not just the body but the mind and spirit before important ceremonies.
- In China, public bathhouses were historically social hubs where people would 洗澡 and network. This tradition persists today in the form of luxury spas and traditional bathhouses that offer social spaces for business and leisure.
Examples in context
- 我每晚洗澡。I take a bath every night.This sentence shows 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 for the location of a place to use 洗澡.Tatoeba #6923186 by verdastelo9604, translation #2459517 by sharptoothed
- 我們一起洗澡，好嗎？Shall we take a bath together?This sentence uses 洗澡 to propose a shared activity.Tatoeba #6014676 by xjjAstrus, translation #7798516 by sharris123
- 他每天晚上洗澡。He takes a bath every evening.
- 我喜欢在周末泡澡放松一下。I enjoy taking a bath to relax during the weekends.
- 我要先洗个澡，然后出门。I'll take a quick bath first and then go out.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Haoran and Zihan are discussing their evening routine.
- 浩然 Haoran我想先去洗澡。Wǒ xiǎng xiān qù xǐzǎo.I want to take a bath first.
- 梓涵 Zihan好的，你快去吧。Hǎo de, nǐ kuài qù ba.Okay, go ahead quickly.
- 浩然 Haoran洗澡以後我來煮飯。Xǐzǎo yǐhòu wǒ lái zhǔfàn.I will cook after taking a bath.
- 梓涵 Zihan太好了，謝謝你。Tài hǎo le, xièxiè nǐ.Great, thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
