‘打扫’ (dǎsǎo) is a compound verb meaning ‘to clean’—specifically, to sweep, dust, and tidy a space like a room, classroom, or yard. The first character 打 (dǎ) often implies an action or effort, while 扫 (sǎo) literally means ‘to sweep’. Together, they convey thorough cleaning—not just sweeping, but removing dust, debris, and clutter from surfaces and floors. It’s commonly used for domestic or institutional cleaning tasks, especially when preparing a space for use or after it has become messy.

This verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object indicating the place being cleaned (e.g., 打扫房间, 打扫教室). It’s neutral in register—appropriate in both casual and formal contexts—and frequently appears in daily routines, household chores, school assignments, or workplace responsibilities. Unlike more general verbs like 清洁 (qīngjié), which can refer to sterilizing or deep-cleaning, 打扫 emphasizes physical tidying through sweeping, wiping, and organizing.