洒

• Pinyin: sǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 洒 = 氵(water) + 西 (west, phonetic component)

Meaning

To sprinkle; to scatter; to spill.

Describes the action of dispersing liquid or small particles over a surface. Can be intentional (sprinkling water, seasoning) or accidental (spilling). Also used figuratively for scattering light, emotions, or abstract things.

Examples

1. 早晨的阳光洒在窗台上，让整个房间都亮堂起来。 The morning sunlight scattered across the windowsill, brightening up the whole room.
2. 小心点，别把水洒到电脑上了。 Be careful — don't spill water on the computer.
3. 她一边走一边把花瓣洒在路上，场面非常浪漫。 She scattered flower petals on the path as she walked — the scene was very romantic.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, descriptive, literary

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 给花洒点水。(Sprinkle some water on the flowers.)
• 不小心把咖啡洒了一地。(I accidentally spilled coffee all over the floor.)

Don't Say

• 洒满水的杯子 — 洒 implies dispersion/spilling, not filling; use 装满 for a full cup

Origin & History

Contains 氵(water radical) indicating liquid action, with 西 as phonetic component.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal