收拾
shōushi
The English phrase 'tidy up' is translated into Chinese as 收拾 (shōushi).
收拾 is used to describe the act of making a place neat by putting things back into their proper positions. Depending on the context, it can also mean to pack or to pack one's belongings, such as packing a suitcase or a bag. For example, the phrase 收拾房间 is used in casual conversations to mean 'tidy up the room'.
How do you pronounce it?
shōushi
Did you know?
- Beyond cleaning, 收拾 can be used as a slang term meaning to 'teach someone a lesson' or to punish them. If a parent says they will 收拾 you, they aren't talking about cleaning your room, but rather a disciplinary action.
- The word 收拾 can also be used to describe the act of 'getting oneself ready' or 'dressing up', such as preparing one's appearance before going out.
- The character 收 means 'to receive' or 'to collect' and 拾 means 'to pick up'. Together they literally describe the physical motion of gathering scattered objects to create order.
Examples in context
- 请整理书桌Please tidy up the desk
- 请整理你的学习材料Please tidy up your study materials.
- 快来收拾房间，客人马上就到了Hurry up and tidy up the room, the guests will arrive soon.
- 请把房间收拾一下。Qǐng bǎ fángjiān shōushi yíxià.Please tidy up the room.
- 他在收拾书架。Tā zài shōushi shūjià.He is tidying up the bookshelf.
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are preparing for a trip at home.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，我们要开始收拾行李了。Xiǎowén, wǒmen yào kāishǐ shōushi xíngli le.Xiaowen, we need to start packing our luggage.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好，我这就去收拾。Hǎo, wǒ zhè jiù qù shōushi.Okay, I will go tidy it up right now.
- 伟 Wei别忘了把桌子也收拾干净。Bié wàng le bǎ zhuōzi yě shōushi gānjìng.Don't forget to tidy up the table as well.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，我会弄整齐的。Méi wèntí, wǒ huì nòng zhěngqí de.No problem, I will make it neat.
