洗手
xǐ shǒu
Wash your hands
洗手 (xǐ shǒu) is a common phrase meaning “wash hands” or “wash your hands.” It is frequently used as a short, clear command, especially as a pre-meal ritual.
What does 洗手 (xǐ shǒu) mean?
洗手 (xǐ shǒu) means “wash your hands” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “wash hand.”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It's often used by parents to children or in public health contexts. For a slightly softer request, one might add 请 (qǐng, “please”).
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “shee-SHOW.” Both syllables are third tones, but the first one shifts to a rising tone when spoken together, so it's actually pronounced “shí shǒu.”
Other ways to say it
- 洗洗手xǐxi shǒuwash your hands (a bit softer)
- 去洗手qù xǐ shǒugo wash your hands
- 饭前洗手fànqián xǐ shǒuwash hands before meals
Examples
吃饭前要洗手。
chīfàn qián yào xǐ shǒu.
You need to wash your hands before eating.
快去洗手！
kuài qù xǐ shǒu!
Go wash your hands quickly!
你洗手了吗？
nǐ xǐ shǒu le ma?
Have you washed your hands?
Pro tip: When two third tones appear consecutively, the first one changes to a second (rising) tone. So, 洗手 is pronounced “shí shǒu,” not “xǐ shǒu” with two dipping tones.
Related phrases
起床了 · Time to get up刷牙 · Brush your teeth吃饭了！ · Time to eat
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