Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to sweep' or 'to scan' with 扫 (sǎo)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 扫 + Object

    Explanation

    扫 (sǎo) is a verb meaning 'to sweep' or 'to scan.' It describes the action of moving across a surface to clean it or the broader action of scanning an area. It also appears in modern compound words like 扫描 (to scan) and 扫地 (to sweep the floor).

    Examples

    • 妈妈每天早上都会扫院子。

      Māma měi tiān zǎoshang dōu huì sǎo yuànzi.

      Mom sweeps the yard every morning.

    • 用手机扫一下这个二维码就能付款。

      Yòng shǒujī sǎo yīxià zhège èrwéimǎ jiù néng fùkuǎn.

      Just scan this QR code with your phone to pay.

    • 他拿起扫帚把落叶扫到一边。

      Tā náqǐ sàozhou bǎ luòyè sǎo dào yībiān.

      He picked up the broom and swept the fallen leaves to one side.