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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to dig' with 挖 (wā)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    挖 + Object (洞/坑/井)

    Explanation

    The verb 挖 (wā) means to dig, excavate, or scoop out. It describes the physical action of removing earth or material to create a hole or opening. It is used in everyday contexts like gardening as well as in construction and mining.

    Examples

    • 爷爷在院子里挖了一个坑种树。

      Yéye zài yuànzi lǐ wā le yī gè kēng zhòng shù.

      Grandpa dug a hole in the yard to plant a tree.

    • 工人们正在马路边挖下水道。

      Gōngrénmen zhèngzài mǎlù biān wā xiàshuǐdào.

      Workers are digging a sewer by the roadside.

    • 小孩子喜欢在沙滩上挖沙子玩。

      Xiǎo háizi xǐhuān zài shātān shàng wā shāzi wán.

      Children like to dig sand on the beach for fun.

    Expressing 'to dig' with 挖 (wā) | Chinese Grammar