'扫雪' literally combines 扫 (sǎo), meaning 'to sweep' or 'to clear', and 雪 (xuě), meaning 'snow'. Together, it means 'to sweep snow' — the physical act of removing fallen snow from surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, or entrances using a broom or snow shovel. It’s a compound verb commonly used in northern China and other cold regions where winter snowfall is frequent.

This term emphasizes manual, often communal or household-level snow removal — distinct from mechanized methods like snowplows. It appears in daily conversations during winter, local announcements, and community volunteer activities. While not formal or literary, it’s widely understood across Mandarin-speaking areas and carries connotations of diligence, responsibility, and neighborly cooperation. The action is typically done promptly after snow stops falling to prevent ice formation and ensure safe passage.