Chinese words pronounced sao (any tone) 13 words, in the 3 tones sao is read in. sāo (1st tone) 7 words 搔(sāo) to scratch 骚(sāo) to disturb 臊(sāo) to smell of urine 缫(sāo) to reel silk from cocoons 慅(sāo) agitated 搔(sāo) to scratch 騷(sāo) to disturb 臊(sāo) to smell of urine 繅(sāo) to reel silk from cocoons 慅(sāo) agitated All 7 words pronounced sāo sǎo (3rd tone) 2 words 扫(sǎo) to sweep 嫂(sǎo) older brother's wife 掃(sǎo) to sweep 嫂(sǎo) older brother's wife sào (4th tone) 6 words 扫(sào) a (large) broom 埽(sào) dike 臊(sào) shame 瘙(sào) itch 喿(sào) chirping of birds 掃(sào) a (large) broom 埽(sào) dike 臊(sào) shame 瘙(sào) itch 喿(sào) chirping of birds All 6 words pronounced sào Often confused with sao shao in any tone 25 words