How to Write 涤 (dí) — Meaning “to wash; to cleanse”

Picture a dirty strip of cloth (条) being cleaned by water (氵). The water washes away the dirt, so 涤 means to wash or cleanse. This visual helps associate the character with its meaning.

Stroke order: write the three dots of 氵 first, then the top part 夂 (fold, horizontal, hook?), then the bottom 小. Common mistake: writing the right part as 条 with a dot instead of a short horizontal stroke in the top; keep the vertical stroke straight through. Ensure the bottom 小 is balanced with the left dot slightly lower.

涤 (dí) means to wash, with right part 条. 沫 (mò) means foam, with right part 末 (end). 沭 (shù) is a river name, with right part 术 (technique). Visually, 涤 has a vertical stroke through the middle of the right part, while 沫 has a longer top horizontal, and 沭 has a dot over 术.

涤 appears in words like 洗涤 (to wash), 涤荡 (to cleanse thoroughly), and 洗涤剂 (detergent). It is more formal and literary than everyday words like 洗, often used in writing or product names. Culturally, 涤 can describe purifying emotions or thoughts, as in 涤荡心灵 (cleanse the soul).

Common words containing 涤 include: 洗涤 (xǐ dí) — To wash; to cleanse.; 涤荡 (dí dàng) — to wash away; to cleanse; to purge; 洗涤剂 (xǐ dí jì) — Detergent; cleaning agent..