Definition

1. Verb:
   • To scrub vigorously: To clean oneself or an object by rubbing hard with a brush, cloth, or similar tool, often with soap and water, to remove dirt or grime.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cậu bé kỳ cọ người rất kỹ dưới vòi sen. (The boy scrubbed himself thoroughly under the shower.)
  • Cô ấy kỳ cọ chiếc nồi bị cháy. (She scrubbed the burnt pot.)
  • Trước khi tắm, anh ấy thường kỳ cọ lưng bằng bàn chải. (Before bathing, he usually scrubs his back with a brush.)

Advanced Usage

• The action of "kỳ cọ" implies a more vigorous, thorough, and sometimes prolonged effort than simple washing ("rửa"). It is often used for removing stubborn dirt.

Variants and Related Words

• Cọ rửa (v): to scrub and wash. A near-synonym that also emphasizes the scrubbing action.
  • Phải cọ rửa sàn nhà vết bẩn mới hết. (You have to scrub the floor for the stain to come off.)

Synonyms

• Scrub: To rub hard in order to clean.
• Scour: To clean or polish by vigorous rubbing.

Related Idioms

• Kỳ cọ cho sạch nước cản: (Literally: to scrub until the hindering water is clean). This idiom emphasizes scrubbing with extreme thoroughness, leaving no trace of dirt.
  • Bà nội tôi giặt chăn, bao giờ cũng kỳ cọ cho sạch nước cản. (My grandmother washes blankets, always scrubbing them until the rinse water is completely clear.)