Definitions

shù to rinse one's mouth with water; to gargle
shù variant of 漱[shù]

Etymology

To gargle water  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "漱" is structured with the water radical "氵" on the left and the component "欶" on the right, which itself combines "束" and "欠" to suggest a phonetic and semantic role related to drawing in or expelling air or liquid. Etymologically, it originally denoted the specific action of rinsing the mouth or gargling, as evidenced in classical Chinese texts. Over time, its meaning broadened to include general washing or cleansing with water, though the core association with oral rinsing remains prevalent in modern usage. The character's form has consistently reflected this watery function through its radical, while the right-hand component provides a clue to its historical pronunciation and conceptual basis.

Example Sentences Hide

我每天饭后口。

Wǒ měitiān fàn hòu shùkǒu.

I rinse my mouth after every meal.

他早上先洗再吃饭。

Tā zǎoshang xiān xǐshù zài chīfàn.

He washes up first thing in the morning before eating.

你应该用口水保持口腔卫生。

Nǐ yīnggāi yòng shùkǒushuǐ bǎochí kǒuqiāng wèishēng.

You should use mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.

妈妈提醒孩子要好好口。

Māma tíxǐng háizi yào hǎohāo shùkǒu.

Mom reminds the child to rinse his mouth thoroughly.

他用冷水发麻的喉咙。

Tā yòng lěngshuǐ shùle shù fāmá de hóulóng.

He gargled with cold water to soothe his tingling throat.

手术后的病人需要经常口。

Shǒushù hòu de bìngrén xūyào jīngcháng shùkǒu.

Patients after surgery need to gargle frequently.

完毕,他精神焕发地出门了。

Xǐshù wánbì, tā jīngshén huànfā de chūmén le.

Having finished washing up, he went out feeling refreshed.

她习惯先用温水口,再用牙线清洁牙齿。

Tā xíguàn xiān yòng wēnshuǐ shùkǒu, zài yòng yáxiàn qīngjié yáchǐ.

She is accustomed to rinsing with warm water first, then using dental floss to clean her teeth.