kỳ cọ
Definition
- 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.)