At the A1 level, you should recognize 清洁 (qīngjié) as a word related to making things 'not dirty.' You might see it on signs in public places like parks or malls. The most important thing to know is the phrase 保持清洁 (bǎochí qīngjié), which means 'keep clean.' You can think of it as a formal version of 'wash' or 'clean.' Even if you don't use it in your own speech yet, knowing it helps you follow public rules in China. Focus on the characters: looks like water, and also has the water radical, so it's all about washing and purity. Use it as a simple verb: 清洁房间 (clean the room). It is a building block for talking about your daily routine and environment. By learning this word, you start to understand how Chinese people value public hygiene.
As an A2 learner, you can start using 清洁 (qīngjié) more actively. You should distinguish it from 打扫 (dǎsǎo). While 打扫 is for sweeping your room, 清洁 is for the actual removal of dirt. You can use it to talk about professional roles, like the 清洁工 (qīngjiégōng) who works in your office or school. You can also use it as an adjective to describe things that are sanitary, like 'clean water' (清洁的水) or 'clean air' (清洁的空气). This level is about expanding your vocabulary from basic actions to more specific descriptions. You might also encounter it on product labels for soap or detergent. Try using the construction: 把你把桌子清洁一下 (Clean the table a bit). This makes your Chinese sound more natural and functional for daily life tasks.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 清洁 (qīngjié) in a variety of compound forms and more complex sentences. You will likely discuss topics like environmental protection, where 清洁能源 (qīngjié néngyuán)—clean energy—is a key term. You should also understand the nuance of 清洁 in professional and medical contexts. For example, 'sterilizing' or 'deep cleansing' in skincare. You can start to use it to describe abstract concepts, though sparingly. Your ability to choose between 清洁, 干净, and 整洁 should be developing. For instance, you would use 整洁 for a tidy office but 清洁 for a sanitized operating room. This level requires you to understand the 'register' or formality of the word. It's not just about being 'not dirty' anymore; it's about hygiene standards and environmental impact.
By B2, you should understand the socio-economic and political implications of 清洁 (qīngjié). It appears in government reports regarding 'Clean Government' (廉洁, which shares the character) and environmental policies. You should be able to write essays or give presentations on 'Green Development' using terms like 清洁生产 (qīngjié shēngchǎn)—clean production. You will also encounter it in more sophisticated literature to describe the purity of a person's character or the pristine state of nature. Your usage should be precise. You understand that 清洁 can be a noun in certain formal contexts (e.g., 'the cleaning of the city'). You can discuss the differences between various cleaning agents and their chemical properties using this word as a base. It becomes a tool for professional communication and higher-level academic discussion.
At the C1 level, your use of 清洁 (qīngjié) is nuanced and context-aware. You can appreciate the word's role in classical Chinese roots and how it differs from modern synonyms in formal prose. You might use it to discuss the 'cleansing' of a database or the 'clean' code in software engineering (清洁代码), although 简洁 is more common for 'concise.' You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries when describing a 'clean' lifestyle or a 'clean' soul in a philosophical sense. You can engage in debates about the cost and efficiency of 清洁技术 (qīngjié jìshù)—clean technology—versus traditional methods. Your vocabulary includes idiomatic expressions related to purity and you can use 清洁 to create a specific atmosphere in your writing, whether it's the clinical coldness of a lab or the refreshing purity of a mountain spring.
At the C2 level, 清洁 (qīngjié) is part of a vast web of related terms that you navigate with native-like precision. You can analyze the etymological development of the characters and from the Shuo Wen Jie Zi to modern usage. You use the word in high-level policy analysis, philosophical discourse, or avant-garde literature. You might explore the irony of 'cleaning' in political purges or the aesthetic of 'cleanliness' in minimalist art. You can effortlessly switch between the scientific, the common, and the poetic uses of the word. For a C2 learner, 清洁 is not just a word for 'clean'; it is a concept that touches on ethics, aesthetics, and science. You can use it to critique societal standards of hygiene or to describe the most subtle states of physical and spiritual purity in a way that is both accurate and evocative.

清洁 en 30 segundos

  • A formal term for 'clean' used as both a verb and an adjective in Mandarin Chinese.
  • Commonly found in public signs, professional cleaning services, and environmental discussions like 'clean energy.'
  • Focuses on hygiene and the removal of impurities rather than just tidying up clutter.
  • Essential for understanding public health standards and professional terminology in Chinese-speaking regions.

The Chinese word 清洁 (qīngjié) is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb meaning 'to clean' or 'to cleanse,' and as an adjective meaning 'clean' or 'pure.' At its core, it combines two powerful characters: 清 (qīng), which signifies clarity, purity, and transparency (often associated with water), and 洁 (jié), which denotes cleanliness and lack of stain. When used in everyday Mandarin, especially at the A2 level, it refers to the act of removing dirt, impurities, or unwanted elements from a surface or environment. However, unlike the more common and informal word 干净 (gānjìng), 清洁 carries a slightly more formal, systematic, or clinical tone. You will encounter it frequently in contexts involving public health, professional cleaning services, and product labels.

Professional Context
In professional settings, 清洁 is used to describe systematic maintenance. For example, a 'cleaning worker' is called a 清洁工 (qīngjiégōng), and a 'detergent' or 'cleanser' is a 清洁剂 (qīngjiéjì). These terms highlight the word's association with organized hygiene rather than just a quick wipe-down.

我们必须保持公共场所的清洁。 (We must maintain the cleanliness of public places.)

Furthermore, 清洁 is often used in the beauty and skincare industry. Phrases like 清洁皮肤 (qīngjié pífū)—to cleanse the skin—are standard. In this context, it implies a deep, thorough removal of oils and pollutants, rather than just washing with water. This nuance is crucial for learners to understand: 清洁 implies a level of thoroughness and standard-meeting that 打扫 (dǎsǎo)—which usually refers to sweeping or tidying a room—does not necessarily cover. When you use 清洁, you are often talking about the state of being free from bacteria, dust, or contamination.

Environmental Usage
The term is also vital in environmental discussions. 清洁能源 (qīngjié néngyuán) refers to 'clean energy' like wind or solar power, emphasizing the lack of pollution.

这家工厂使用清洁能源来生产产品。 (This factory uses clean energy to produce products.)

In summary, 清洁 is a foundational word for any student of Chinese because it bridges the gap between daily chores and formal societal standards of hygiene and environmental protection. Whether you are reading a sign in a park, buying soap at a supermarket, or discussing green energy, this word will appear as the primary descriptor for 'cleanness' and the 'action of cleaning.'

Using 清洁 (qīngjié) correctly involves understanding its dual role as a verb and an adjective. As a verb, it often takes a direct object—the thing being cleaned. Common objects include 房间 (fángjiān - room), 皮肤 (pífū - skin), 工具 (gōngjù - tools), and 环境 (huánjìng - environment). The structure is typically [Subject] + 清洁 + [Object]. For example, 医生在清洁手术工具 (The doctor is cleaning surgical tools). Note how the verb implies a high standard of hygiene in this context.

请在饭前清洁你的双手。 (Please clean your hands before eating.)

As an Adjective
When used as an adjective, 清洁 describes the state of something. It is often preceded by degree adverbs like 很 (hěn - very) or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely). For instance, 这里的空气很清洁 (The air here is very clean). It suggests a purity that is refreshing or healthy. In this usage, it is almost synonymous with 干净, but feels more descriptive of the quality of the substance itself (like air or water) rather than just the absence of clutter.

Another common pattern is the use of 清洁 in compound nouns. This is where learners often find the word most useful. By attaching it to other nouns, you create specific terms: 清洁工 (cleaning worker), 清洁车 (garbage truck/cleaning vehicle), and 清洁度 (cleanliness level). These compounds are standard in urban management and industrial settings. If you see a sign that says 保持清洁 (bǎochí qīngjié), it means 'Keep Clean'—a common sight in parks, subways, and public restrooms across China.

这种洗发水能深层清洁头皮。 (This shampoo can deeply cleanse the scalp.)

Finally, consider the use of 清洁 in abstract or metaphorical ways. While less common at the A2 level, you might hear it used to describe a 'clean' record or a 'clean' conscience in more advanced literature. For now, focus on its physical application. Whether you are asking someone to clean a window or describing the pristine water of a mountain lake, 清洁 provides the necessary vocabulary for clarity and sanitation.

If you travel to a Chinese-speaking city, you will hear and see 清洁 (qīngjié) everywhere in the public sphere. It is the 'official' word for cleaning. In a hotel, you might see a sign on the door or a button on the phone for 房间清洁 (fángjiān qīngjié)—room cleaning service. The staff member who comes to tidy up is formally referred to as part of the 清洁部 (qīngjiébù) or housekeeping department. This is distinct from the casual way you'd tell a friend you need to 'clean your room' (打扫房间).

Public Announcements
In subways and malls, announcements often remind passengers to 爱护环境,保持清洁 (àihù huánjìng, bǎochí qīngjié)—care for the environment and maintain cleanliness. This phrase is a staple of civic education in China and is printed on thousands of trash cans and public notices.

地铁站里到处都有“请保持清洁”的标语。 (There are 'Please keep clean' slogans everywhere in the subway station.)

In the realm of shopping, particularly in the personal care aisle, 清洁 is a keyword. Facial cleansers are labeled 面部清洁 (miànbù qīngjié) or 洁面乳 (jiémiànrǔ). Household products like floor cleaners or window sprays will prominently feature the word 清洁 to signal their purpose. If you are watching a TV commercial for a laundry detergent, the narrator will likely emphasize how the product 深层清洁 (shēncéng qīngjié)—deeply cleans—your clothes.

Workplace and Schools
In schools, students often have a 清洁区 (qīngjiéqū)—a designated cleaning area—that they are responsible for maintaining. This fosters a sense of collective responsibility for hygiene. In workplaces, the 清洁阿姨 (qīngjié āyí)—cleaning lady—is a common and respectful way to refer to the janitorial staff.

学校每周五下午都会进行大清洁。 (The school has a major cleaning every Friday afternoon.)

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll realize that 清洁 is not just a vocabulary word but a cultural marker of how cleanliness is organized and communicated in Chinese society. It represents the transition from private 'tidying' to public 'sanitation.'

The most frequent mistake learners make with 清洁 (qīngjié) is confusing it with 干净 (gānjìng). While both mean 'clean,' they are used differently. 干净 is primarily an adjective used to describe the result of cleaning (e.g., 'The table is clean'). 清洁 is more often used as a verb (the process) or in formal compound nouns. You wouldn't usually say 'My shirt is very 清洁' in a casual conversation; you would say 'My shirt is very 干净.' Using 清洁 there would sound unnaturally formal, almost like you're reading from a scientific report.

Confusion with 打扫 (dǎsǎo)
Another common error is using 清洁 when 打扫 is more appropriate. 打扫 specifically refers to chores like sweeping, dusting, and organizing a physical space like a room or a house. 清洁 is more about the removal of dirt or impurities. If you are sweeping the floor, say 打扫地板. If you are using a chemical to remove a stain, 清洁 is better. Using 清洁 for simple household tidying can sound overly technical.

错误:我明天要清洁我的卧室。 (Incorrect/Awkward: I will 'cleanse' my bedroom tomorrow.)
正确:我明天要打扫我的卧室。 (Correct: I will clean/tidy my bedroom tomorrow.)

Grammatically, learners often forget that 清洁 is a 'separable-like' compound but usually functions as a standard transitive verb. However, it doesn't take the -er suffix well in Chinese. You can't just add a character to make it 'cleaner' (the person) without using the specific word 清洁工. Also, avoid using 清洁 as a command to a person to 'clean up their act' or 'be clean' in a moral sense without proper context; there are other idioms for that.

Verb-Object Placement
Learners sometimes place the object before the verb without the 把 (bǎ) construction. While 清洁房间 is correct, if you want to emphasize the room being cleaned, you must use 把房间清洁一下. Omitting in that specific structure is a common syntactic slip.

不要说:房间清洁。 (Don't say: Room clean - as an action.)
要说:清洁房间。 (Say: Clean the room.)

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The second tone on 洁 (jié) is often mispronounced as a first or fourth tone by beginners. Ensure the rising tone is clear to distinguish it from other similar-sounding characters.

To master 清洁 (qīngjié), you must see where it sits among its synonyms. The Chinese language has many ways to express 'clean,' each with a specific nuance. Understanding these will elevate your fluency from basic to nuanced.

清洁 vs. 干净 (gānjìng)
干净 is the most common word for 'clean.' It is used for clothes, hands, rooms, and even metaphorical 'clean' (like a clean break). 清洁 is more formal and often refers to the act of making something sanitary or the state of being hygienic in an official capacity.
清洁 vs. 打扫 (dǎsǎo)
打扫 specifically means to sweep and tidy. You '打扫' a room, a garden, or a street. You '清洁' a wound, a computer screen, or a water supply. 清洁 sounds more like 'cleansing' or 'purifying.'
清洁 vs. 净化 (jìnghuà)
净化 means 'to purify.' It is used for air (空气净化) or water, and even the soul. It is more intense than 清洁 and implies the removal of microscopic or spiritual toxins.

我们需要清洁表面,但我们需要净化空气。 (We need to clean the surface, but we need to purify the air.)

In some contexts, you might also see 整洁 (zhěngjié). This word combines 'clean' with 'orderly.' A room that is 整洁 is not just free of dirt but also neatly organized. If you want to compliment someone's desk, 整洁 is the best word. If you want to say the hospital is sterile, 清洁 is more appropriate. By choosing the right word, you show a deeper understanding of Chinese culture's emphasis on both hygiene and order.

他的书桌总是非常整洁。 (His desk is always very neat and clean.)

Lastly, for very formal or archaic contexts, 洁净 (jiéjìng) might be used. It is almost exclusively an adjective meaning 'pure and clean,' often found in poetry or religious texts. For your daily needs at the A2 level, sticking with 清洁 for formal/action-oriented cleaning and 干净 for descriptions will serve you perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient China, '清洁' was often used to describe the moral character of a scholar, not just the state of their room. Being 'clean' was synonymous with being incorruptible.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tʃɪŋ dʒjɛ/
US /tʃɪŋ dʒje/
The stress is balanced, but the second syllable 'jié' often feels more prominent because of the rising tone.
Rima con
明洁 (míngjié) 简洁 (jiǎnjié) 圣洁 (shèngjié) 廉洁 (liánjié) 高洁 (gāojié) 整洁 (zhěngjié) 纯洁 (chúnjié) 皎洁 (jiǎojié)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' (it should be 'ch').
  • Failing to use the rising tone on 'jié'.
  • Mixing up 'qīng' with 'qǐng' (third tone - please).
  • Pronouncing 'jié' like 'jiě' (third tone).
  • Making the 'q' sound too breathy; it should be sharp.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Characters have the water radical, making them easy to recognize as water-related.

Escritura 3/5

The character '洁' has several strokes but follows a standard left-right structure.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 'q' sound and the tones.

Escucha 2/5

Common in public announcements; very distinct cadence.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Aprende después

打扫 干净 环境 卫生 能源

Avanzado

净化 廉洁 清澈 洁净 一尘不染

Gramática que debes saber

Separable Verbs and Objects

清洁房间 (Clean the room) - The object follows the verb.

The 'Ba' Construction for Result

把他清洁干净 (Clean it thoroughly).

Degree Adverbs with Adjectives

非常清洁 (Very clean).

Noun Compounds

清洁 + 工 = 清洁工 (Cleaner).

Reduplication for Casual Action

清洁清洁 (Clean a bit/tidy up).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

请保持清洁。

Please keep [it] clean.

A common imperative phrase used in public.

2

我们要清洁房间。

We need to clean the room.

Subject + want/need + verb + object.

3

手很清洁。

Hands are very clean.

Using '清洁' as an adjective.

4

他在清洁桌子。

He is cleaning the table.

Present continuous action.

5

这里的空气很清洁。

The air here is very clean.

Adjective describing a natural substance.

6

我喜欢清洁的衣服。

I like clean clothes.

Adjective modifying a noun.

7

妈妈在清洁厨房。

Mom is cleaning the kitchen.

Simple verb-object structure.

8

清洁很重要。

Cleanliness is very important.

Using the word as a noun/concept.

1

清洁工每天早上来这里。

The cleaning worker comes here every morning.

Noun compound: 清洁 + 工 (worker).

2

请用清洁剂洗碗。

Please use detergent to wash the dishes.

Noun compound: 清洁 + 剂 (agent/detergent).

3

你需要清洁一下你的电脑。

You need to clean your computer a bit.

Verb + 一下 (a bit).

4

这种洗面奶能清洁皮肤。

This facial cleanser can clean the skin.

Formal verb usage for skincare.

5

公园里的水非常清洁。

The water in the park is extremely clean.

Adjective with degree adverb '非常'.

6

我们应该保持教室清洁。

We should keep the classroom clean.

保持 + [Object] + 清洁.

7

他在找一份清洁的工作。

He is looking for a cleaning job.

Adjective modifying '工作'.

8

请把这些工具清洁干净。

Please clean these tools thoroughly.

把 construction with a resultative complement.

1

清洁能源对环境保护很重要。

Clean energy is very important for environmental protection.

Abstract compound noun usage.

2

手术前,医生必须对手进行严格清洁。

Before surgery, doctors must strictly clean their hands.

Formal noun usage (进行清洁).

3

这家公司专门生产环保清洁用品。

This company specializes in producing eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Complex noun phrase.

4

城市清洁是政府的责任。

City cleaning is the government's responsibility.

Subject as a formal concept.

5

这种机器具有自动清洁功能。

This machine has an automatic cleaning function.

Technical terminology.

6

我们要养成保持个人清洁的好习惯。

We should develop good habits of maintaining personal hygiene.

Formal phrase '个人清洁'.

7

河水经过清洁处理后可以饮用。

The river water is drinkable after cleaning treatment.

Passive/Process description.

8

大扫除时,我们要彻底清洁每一个角落。

During the big clean-up, we must thoroughly clean every corner.

Adverb '彻底' modifying the verb.

1

推广清洁生产是实现可持续发展的关键。

Promoting clean production is key to achieving sustainable development.

Policy-oriented terminology.

2

该地区的空气清洁度达到了历史最高水平。

The air cleanliness in this area has reached an all-time high.

Noun '清洁度' (degree of cleanliness).

3

在处理伤口时,首要任务是清洁消毒。

When treating a wound, the primary task is cleaning and disinfecting.

Paired verbs '清洁消毒'.

4

他以其清洁廉正的作风赢得了选民的支持。

He won the support of voters with his clean and upright style.

Metaphorical/Political usage.

5

这种新型材料具有极强的自清洁能力。

This new material has an extremely strong self-cleaning capability.

Scientific/Material science context.

6

我们需要一套完整的清洁方案来应对污染。

We need a complete cleaning plan to deal with pollution.

Formal noun '方案'.

7

这个景区的清洁工作做得非常到位。

The cleaning work in this scenic area is done very thoroughly.

Colloquial but formal praise.

8

保持心灵的清洁与身体的清洁同样重要。

Keeping the mind clean is as important as keeping the body clean.

Philosophical parallel structure.

1

政府颁布了新的清洁空气法案以减少工业排污。

The government enacted a new Clean Air Act to reduce industrial emissions.

Legal/Legislative terminology.

2

清洁技术的发展正在改变全球能源格局。

The development of clean technology is changing the global energy landscape.

Economic/Geopolitical context.

3

这篇论文深入探讨了清洁生产在化工行业的应用。

This paper explores the application of clean production in the chemical industry.

Academic research context.

4

他追求一种极简且清洁的生活方式。

He pursues a minimalist and clean lifestyle.

Abstract lifestyle description.

5

在高度精密仪器的制造过程中,清洁度是至关重要的。

In the manufacturing of high-precision instruments, cleanliness is vital.

Industrial precision context.

6

这种清洁剂的化学成分对环境几乎没有负面影响。

The chemical components of this cleanser have almost no negative environmental impact.

Scientific/Environmental analysis.

7

为了确保实验结果的准确性,必须先对试管进行彻底清洁。

To ensure the accuracy of experimental results, test tubes must be thoroughly cleaned first.

Conditional structure in science.

8

这种文学风格以其清洁、有力的语言著称。

This literary style is known for its clean, powerful language.

Literary criticism/Aesthetics.

1

在后现代主义建筑中,清洁的线条往往象征着理性的回归。

In postmodern architecture, clean lines often symbolize the return of rationality.

Art/Architectural theory.

2

清洁能源的转型不仅是技术挑战,更是政治博弈。

The transition to clean energy is not just a technical challenge, but a political gamble.

Complex sociopolitical analysis.

3

庄子所追求的“心斋”实际上是一种精神上的绝对清洁。

Zhuangzi's pursuit of 'fasting of the mind' is actually a kind of absolute spiritual cleanliness.

Philosophical/Classical analysis.

4

该报告详尽分析了清洁机制在碳交易市场中的运作逻辑。

The report provides a detailed analysis of the operational logic of clean mechanisms in carbon markets.

Advanced financial/environmental jargon.

5

这种极简主义美学通过清洁的视觉呈现,剔除了多余的修饰。

This minimalist aesthetic removes redundant decorations through clean visual presentation.

Aesthetic theory.

6

在那个动荡的时代,保持人格的清洁是一件极其困难的事情。

In that turbulent era, maintaining the purity of one's character was an extremely difficult task.

Ethical/Historical reflection.

7

清洁生产标准的制定需要综合考量经济效益与生态成本。

The formulation of clean production standards requires a comprehensive consideration of economic benefits and ecological costs.

Formal administrative language.

8

这里的自然生态系统依然保持着原始而清洁的状态。

The natural ecosystem here still maintains a primitive and clean state.

Descriptive ecological prose.

Colocaciones comunes

清洁能源
清洁工
清洁剂
保持清洁
清洁皮肤
清洁度
清洁方案
清洁工具
清洁生产
深度清洁

Frases Comunes

爱护环境,保持清洁

— A standard slogan meaning 'Care for the environment, keep it clean.' It is seen on signs everywhere in China.

公园的牌子上写着:爱护环境,保持清洁。

清洁溜溜

— A playful or informal way to say 'completely clean' or 'spotless,' sometimes used to mean 'nothing left.'

他把盘子里的菜吃得清洁溜溜。

大清洁

— Refers to a 'big clean' or 'spring cleaning,' usually done before holidays or in schools on Fridays.

春节前,家家户户都要进行大清洁。

个人清洁

— Personal hygiene. Maintaining the cleanliness of one's own body and clothes.

老师教育孩子要注意个人清洁。

口腔清洁

— Oral hygiene. Specifically cleaning teeth and mouth.

口腔清洁对防止牙病很重要。

工业清洁

— Industrial cleaning. Professional cleaning for factories and machines.

这家公司提供专业的工业清洁服务。

表面清洁

— Surface cleaning. Only cleaning the outside part of something.

这只是表面清洁,里面还很脏。

干粉清洁

— Dry cleaning (using powder). Often used for carpets or specific fabrics.

这种地毯适合干粉清洁。

手动清洁

— Manual cleaning. Cleaning by hand rather than using a machine.

这个零件需要手动清洁。

定期清洁

— Regular cleaning. Cleaning according to a set schedule.

空调需要定期清洁。

Se confunde a menudo con

清洁 vs 干净

Gānjìng is more common for 'it looks clean,' while qīngjié is 'to make it clean' or 'sanitary.'

清洁 vs 打扫

Dǎsǎo is specifically sweeping and tidying a room; qīngjié is removing dirt/germs.

清洁 vs 清澈

Qīngchè means 'clear' (like water you can see through), not necessarily 'sanitary.'

Modismos y expresiones

"冰清玉洁"

— Pure as ice and clean as jade. Used to describe someone with an extremely pure and noble character.

她是一个冰清玉洁的姑娘。

Literary
"源清流洁"

— If the source is clear, the stream is clean. Used to mean that if the origin is good, the result will be good.

只有领导廉洁,才能源清流洁。

Formal
"身心清洁"

— Clean in both body and mind. Refers to total purity.

他追求身心清洁的生活方式。

Philosophical
"公正廉洁"

— Fair and honest (clean). Usually used for government officials.

选民希望官员能够公正廉洁。

Political
"洁身自好"

— To keep oneself clean. Meaning to refuse to be part of a corrupt group or bad activity.

在这个复杂的社会里,他始终洁身自好。

Moral
"清白无瑕"

— Pure white and without flaw. Used for reputation or character.

他的名声清白无瑕。

Literary
"一尘不染"

— Not a speck of dust. Spotlessly clean.

她的房间打扫得一尘不染。

Common
"清心寡欲"

— To purify the heart and limit desires. A lifestyle choice.

老教授过着清心寡欲的生活。

Philosophical
"河清海晏"

— The Yellow River is clear and the sea is calm. A metaphor for a peaceful and prosperous country.

人们期待着河清海晏的盛世。

Archaic
"水清无鱼"

— When water is too clear, there are no fish. Used to suggest that being too strict or demanding can alienate people.

凡事不可太计较,水清无鱼啊。

Proverbial

Fácil de confundir

清洁 vs 整洁

Both involve cleaning.

整洁 emphasizes order and neatness (everything in its place), whereas 清洁 emphasizes the absence of dirt/bacteria.

他的书架很整洁。(His bookshelf is neat.)

清洁 vs 卫生

Both relate to health.

卫生 is 'hygiene' or 'sanitation' as a system or state. 清洁 is the physical act or state of being clean.

公共卫生很重要。(Public hygiene is important.)

清洁 vs 清洗

Both involve water.

清洗 is specifically 'to wash' (usually with water/soap). 清洁 is a broader term for 'to clean.'

清洗伤口。(Wash the wound.)

清洁 vs 扫除

Both mean cleaning up.

扫除 usually refers to a big, organized event like 'spring cleaning.'

周末我们要大扫除。(We will do a big cleaning this weekend.)

清洁 vs 清净

Sounds similar.

清净 means 'quiet and peaceful' (free from noise/disturbance), not 'clean' from dirt.

这里很清净。(It's very quiet here.)

Patrones de oraciones

A1

请 + 保持 + 清洁

请保持公园清洁。

A2

Subject + 在 + 清洁 + Object

他在清洁窗户。

B1

Subject + 对 + ... + 很重要

清洁能源对环境很重要。

B2

进行 + [Adjective] + 清洁

进行彻底的清洁。

C1

以...为目的的清洁

以保护环境为目的的清洁活动。

C2

清洁之于...,犹如...之于...

清洁之于城市,犹如灵魂之于身体。

Any

把 + Object + 清洁 + Complement

把手清洁干净。

Any

清洁的 + Noun

清洁的水。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

清洁工 (cleaner)
清洁剂 (detergent)
清洁度 (cleanliness)
清洁车 (garbage truck)

Verbos

清洁 (to clean)
洁面 (to wash face)
净化 (to purify)

Adjetivos

清洁的 (clean)
整洁的 (tidy)
洁净的 (pure)

Relacionado

卫生 (hygiene)
干净 (clean)
扫除 (cleaning up)
环保 (environmental protection)
清澈 (clear)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in written signs, professional contexts, and environmental news.

Errores comunes
  • Using 清洁 instead of 干净 for clothes. 这件衣服很干净。

    清洁 is too formal for daily objects like clothes. 干净 is the natural choice.

  • Saying '打扫手' instead of '洗手' or '清洁手'. 洗手。

    打扫 is only for rooms and large spaces. You cannot 'sweep' your hands.

  • Mispronouncing jié as third tone jiě. qīngjié (2nd tone).

    Jiě means 'to explain' or 'to untie.' Tones change the meaning completely.

  • Using 清洁 as a noun for 'a cleaner' (person). 清洁工。

    You must add '工' (worker) to refer to the person. 清洁 by itself is the action or state.

  • Confusing 清洁 with 清净. 这里很清净 (It's quiet).

    Qīngjìng refers to peace and quiet, not physical cleanliness.

Consejos

Signs and Slogans

Whenever you see a sign in China about not littering, look for the characters 清洁. It's the most common formal way to express the concept of a clean environment.

Professional Roles

If you need to find someone to help clean an office, ask for the 清洁工. It's the respectful and correct professional title.

Formal Adjective

Use 清洁 as an adjective for things that are naturally pure, like air, water, or energy. For a clean plate or shirt, stick to 干净.

Public Duty

Remember that 'maintaining cleanliness' (保持清洁) is often presented as a civic duty in Chinese culture, not just a personal preference.

Beauty Products

If you're shopping for skincare in China, look for 清洁 on the bottle. It usually means 'cleansing' or 'deep clean'.

Water Radicals

Both characters have the 氵 (water) radical. This is your visual cue that the word involves washing or purity.

The Q Sound

Make sure your 'q' in 'qīngjié' sounds like a 'ch' with a lot of air. It's one of the most common sounds in Mandarin.

Character Balance

Both characters are left-right structures. Keep the water radical small on the left to make the character look balanced.

Announcement Keywords

In train stations, '清洁' is a keyword. If you hear it, the announcement is likely about keeping the station tidy.

Daily Practice

Every time you wash your hands or clean your desk, say to yourself: '我在清洁我的手' or '我在清洁桌子'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Qing' as a 'Clear King' and 'Jie' as 'Just Clean.' A Clear King wants everything Just Clean. Both have the water radical (氵), so imagine water washing away dirt.

Asociación visual

Imagine a sparkling clear mountain stream (清) and a white cloth being washed until it is perfectly bright (洁).

Word Web

水 (Water) 洗 (Wash) 皂 (Soap) 净 (Pure) 空 (Air) 工 (Worker) 剂 (Agent) 保 (Keep)

Desafío

Try to find three items in your house that have the word '清洁' on them (look at soap, shampoo, or cleaning spray labels).

Origen de la palabra

The word is a combination of '清' (qīng) and '洁' (jié). '清' dates back to ancient oracle bone script, originally depicting clear water. '洁' (traditional 潔) also features the water radical '氵' and refers to washing silk until it is pure. Together, they have meant 'clean and pure' for over two millennia.

Significado original: Originally referred to the purity of water and the act of washing fabrics to remove stains.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexto cultural

When referring to cleaning staff, '清洁工' is the standard term, but calling them '清洁阿姨' (Cleaning Auntie) or '清洁师傅' (Cleaning Master) is more polite and common in person.

In English, we often use 'clean' for everything. In Chinese, '清洁' is slightly more formal, like 'sanitary' or 'cleansing.'

The phrase '冰清玉洁' is used in many classic novels like 'Dream of the Red Chamber'. Public health slogans from the 1952 Health Campaign. Modern 'Clean Energy' initiatives in the Five-Year Plans.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a Hotel

  • 需要房间清洁吗?
  • 清洁服务
  • 什么时候清洁?
  • 清洁得很干净。

At the Supermarket

  • 清洁剂在哪里?
  • 强力清洁
  • 厨房清洁用品
  • 面部清洁

In a Park

  • 保持清洁
  • 不要乱扔垃圾
  • 清洁工人
  • 环境清洁

Skincare Routine

  • 深层清洁
  • 清洁毛孔
  • 温和清洁
  • 清洁步骤

Environmental News

  • 清洁能源
  • 清洁技术
  • 清洁生产标准
  • 空气清洁

Inicios de conversación

"你觉得这里的空气清洁吗? (Do you think the air here is clean?)"

"你通常用什么清洁剂洗衣服? (What detergent do you usually use to wash clothes?)"

"在你的国家,清洁能源流行吗? (Is clean energy popular in your country?)"

"你认为保持城市清洁最重要的办法是什么? (What do you think is the most important way to keep a city clean?)"

"你家多久进行一次大清洁? (How often does your home have a big cleaning?)"

Temas para diario

描述一次你参加学校或社区清洁活动的经历。 (Describe an experience participating in a school or community cleaning activity.)

为什么保持个人清洁对健康很重要? (Why is maintaining personal hygiene important for health?)

谈谈你对清洁能源未来发展的看法。 (Talk about your views on the future development of clean energy.)

如果你是一名清洁工,你的一天会是什么样的? (If you were a cleaner, what would your day be like?)

比较‘清洁’和‘干净’这两个词在不同情况下的用法。 (Compare the usage of 'qingjie' and 'ganjing' in different situations.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it sounds formal. Usually, you would say '洗衣服' (wash clothes) or '衣服很干净' (clothes are clean). Use '清洁' if you are talking about a professional cleaning service or a specific detergent's effect.

清洁工 is a 'cleaning worker' or janitor, usually in a public or professional setting. 佣人 is an older/informal term for 'servant' or 'domestic helper' in a home. In modern times, '家政人员' or '保姆' is used for home help.

It is always '清洁能源' (qīngjié néngyuán). This is a very common term in Chinese news and politics.

It is both. As a verb: '清洁房间' (clean the room). As an adjective: '清洁的空气' (clean air). However, as an adjective, it is more formal than '干净'.

You can, but '洗手' (wash hands) is much more natural for daily life. '清洁双手' might appear on a sign in a hospital or a restaurant kitchen.

It means 'Keep [the area] clean.' It's the standard way to tell people not to litter or make a mess in public.

Yes. 洁净 is more literary and usually only an adjective. 清洁 is more practical and can be a verb.

Rarely. For character, words like '清白' (innocent) or '廉洁' (incorruptible) are used. However, '冰清玉洁' is a common idiom for a pure person.

Usually, yes, because of the water radicals, but it can also refer to dry cleaning or using chemicals.

It is a general term for any cleaning agent, including dish soap, laundry detergent, or floor cleaner.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '清洁' to describe a park.

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writing

Translate: 'Please keep the classroom clean.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue between a teacher and a student about cleaning.

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writing

Translate: 'I need to buy some detergent.'

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writing

Write a sentence about clean energy.

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writing

Describe the job of a '清洁工'.

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writing

Translate: 'Deep cleaning is necessary for this room.'

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writing

Write a slogan for a trash can.

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writing

Translate: 'The air in the mountains is very clean.'

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writing

Use '清洁' as a verb in a sentence.

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writing

Explain the difference between '清洁' and '干净'.

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writing

Translate: 'Clean production standards.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the idiom '一尘不染'.

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writing

Translate: 'Personal hygiene is very important.'

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writing

Write a sentence about washing hands before a meal.

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writing

Translate: 'This machine has a self-cleaning function.'

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writing

Describe a 'clean' person using '冰清玉洁'.

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writing

Translate: 'Keep the water clean.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '清洁车'.

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writing

Translate: 'Thoroughly clean every corner.'

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speaking

Pronounce '清洁' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Please keep clean' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Cleaning worker' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe your room's cleanliness.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am cleaning the table' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask where the detergent is in a supermarket.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Clean energy is good for the earth.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Recommend a cleaning product to a friend.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss why air quality is important.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain '保持清洁' to a child.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The mountains have clean water.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I like to keep my desk tidy.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell someone to wash their hands before eating.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'This city is very clean.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about a 'big cleaning' day.

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speaking

Pronounce '清洁剂' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I need a cleaning plan.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The doctor is cleaning the wound.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use the idiom '一尘不染' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Keep the environment clean.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to: '请保持室内清洁。' What should be kept clean?

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listening

Listen to: '清洁工每天六点上班。' What time does the cleaner start work?

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listening

Listen to: '我们需要买清洁剂。' What do we need to buy?

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listening

Listen to: '这里的空气很清洁。' How is the air?

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listening

Listen to: '清洁能源是未来的趋势。' What is the trend for the future?

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listening

Listen to: '请把手清洁一下。' What needs to be cleaned?

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listening

Listen to: '手术室正在进行清洁。' What is happening in the operating room?

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listening

Listen to: '这家公司生产清洁工具。' What does the company produce?

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listening

Listen to: '保持口腔清洁很重要。' What is important?

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listening

Listen to: '他是一个廉洁的人。' What is his character like?

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listening

Listen to: '这种洗发水能清洁头皮。' What part of the body does it clean?

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listening

Listen to: '大清洁在周五。' When is the big cleaning?

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listening

Listen to: '这条河很清洁。' Is the river dirty?

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listening

Listen to: '我们需要清洁方案。' What is needed?

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listening

Listen to: '一尘不染的房间。' What kind of room is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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