Understanding "晾晒" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 晾晒
• Pinyin: liàng shài
• Literal Meaning: "晾" (liàng) means "to air" or "to dry," and "晒" (shài) means "to sun-dry." Together, they emphasize drying something by exposing it to air and sunlight.
• Primary Meaning: To dry or air out (clothes, food, etc.) by spreading them in the open, usually under the sun.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"晾晒" is commonly used when referring to drying clothes, grains, or other items outdoors. It implies a deliberate action of placing something in an open space to allow air and sunlight to remove moisture. Unlike simply "drying" (干燥, gānzào), "晾晒" specifically involves exposure to natural elements.

Character Breakdown

• 晾 (liàng): To air, to dry, or to hang something out to dry.
• 晒 (shài): To sun-dry, to bask in the sun.

Together, these characters reinforce the idea of drying something using sunlight and air circulation.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 妈妈把洗好的衣服晾晒在阳台上。
   Pinyin: Māma bǎ xǐ hǎo de yīfu liàngshài zài yángtái shàng.
   English: Mom hung the washed clothes out to dry on the balcony.

2. Chinese: 农民们正在晾晒新收的稻谷。
   Pinyin: Nóngmínmen zhèngzài liàngshài xīn shōu de dàogǔ.
   English: The farmers are sun-drying the newly harvested rice.

3. Chinese: 天气好的时候，我喜欢晾晒被子和枕头。
   Pinyin: Tiānqì hǎo de shíhou, wǒ xǐhuan liàngshài bèizi hé zhěntou.
   English: When the weather is nice, I like to air out my blankets and pillows.

Cultural Notes

In China, "晾晒" is a common practice, especially in rural areas and older urban neighborhoods where people dry clothes, vegetables, and grains outdoors. It’s also considered healthy to sun-dry bedding to eliminate moisture and bacteria. However, in modern cities, some apartment buildings restrict outdoor drying due to aesthetic concerns, leading to the use of indoor drying racks.

Conclusion

"晾晒" (liàng shài) is a practical word describing the act of drying something using sunlight and air. Whether it's clothes, food, or bedding, this term captures a traditional and efficient way of drying in Chinese daily life. Remember it by associating "晾" with airing and "晒" with sun exposure!