清い en 30 secondes
- 清い means pure, clean, or clear.
- Used for nature (water, air) and moral character.
- Deeper meaning than everyday 'clean'.
The Japanese word 清い (きよい - kiyoi) is an adjective that primarily describes something as being pure, clean, or clear. It's often used in contexts where a sense of pristine, unpolluted, or morally upright quality is being conveyed. While it can be used for physical cleanliness, it also carries a strong connotation of spiritual or moral purity.
- Physical Purity
- When referring to physical objects or substances, 清い implies a lack of contamination or impurity. Think of the clearest, most pristine water you've ever seen, or the freshest, cleanest air. It suggests a natural state that has not been tainted by human activity or pollution.
- Moral and Spiritual Purity
- Beyond the physical, 清い is frequently used to describe a person's character, intentions, or spirit. A person with a 清い心 (kiyoi kokoro) has a pure heart, free from malice, greed, or deceit. A 清い行動 (kiyoi kōdō) would be an action that is morally sound and ethically impeccable. This aspect is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where purity is highly valued in both personal conduct and religious contexts.
- Natural Beauty
- The word can also evoke a sense of pristine natural beauty. A 清い川 (kiyoi kawa) is not just a clear river, but one that is beautiful and untouched. The imagery associated with 清い often includes nature, such as clear streams, unpolluted skies, and untouched forests.
- Absence of Corruption
- In a societal or political context, 清い can refer to a system or individual that is free from corruption or dishonesty. A 清い政治 (kiyoi seiji) would be politics conducted with integrity and transparency.
The mountain stream was so clear.
It's important to note that while 清い can be translated as 'clean', it often carries a deeper sense of purity and unblemished quality than the everyday word for 'clean' (like 汚れていない - yogorete inai). It evokes a sense of natural goodness and integrity.
He has a pure heart.
- Usage Examples
- You might hear 清い used to describe:
- 清い水 (kiyoi mizu): pure water
- 清い空気 (kiyoi kūki): pure air
- 清い心 (kiyoi kokoro): pure heart
- 清い精神 (kiyoi seishin): pure spirit
- 清い手 (kiyoi te): clean hands (often implying moral innocence)
- 清い川 (kiyoi kawa): clear/pure river
- 清い雪 (kiyoi yuki): pure snow
- 清い理想 (kiyoi risō): pure ideals
- 清い目 (kiyoi me): innocent eyes
Using 清い effectively involves understanding its nuances and the contexts in which it sounds most natural. As a na-adjective, it can function in several ways within a sentence.
- As a Predicate Adjective
- The most straightforward use is at the end of a sentence, describing the subject. In this form, it's typically followed by だ (da) or です (desu) in polite speech.
The water is pure.
水は清いです。 This air is very clean.
この空気はとても清い。 - Modifying a Noun
- Like other na-adjectives, 清い can directly precede a noun it modifies. This is a very common and versatile usage.
A pure heart is important.
清い心は大切だ。 We drank clear mountain water.
私たちは清い山の水を飲んだ。 The children have innocent eyes.
子供たちは清い目をしている。 - With Particles
- 清い can be used with particles to add emphasis or connect clauses.
It is the purity that matters.
清いことこそが重要だ。 The river was so clear, I could see the bottom.
川は清いので、底が見えた。 He is a person of pure ideals.
彼は清い理想を持つ人物だ。 - In Compound Structures
- 清い can be part of more complex phrases or compound nouns, though this is less common than its direct adjective use.
The purity of his intentions was evident.
彼の意図の清さは明らかだった。 A clean environment is essential for health.
清い環境は健康に不可欠だ。
- Common Sentence Structures
- Noun は/が 清い です/だ。 (Noun is pure/clear.)
- 清い Noun が/は Verb. (Pure Noun Verb.)
- Noun は 清い Noun です/だ。(Noun is a pure Noun.)
- Because Noun is pure/clear, Verb. (Noun が 清い ので/から Verb.)
清い (kiyoi) is a word that appears in various everyday and more formal situations in Japan. Its usage often reflects a cultural appreciation for purity, nature, and moral integrity.
- Descriptions of Nature
- This is perhaps the most common context. You'll hear 清い when people describe pristine natural environments. Think of travel documentaries, nature guides, or conversations about beautiful landscapes. Phrases like 清い水 (pure water), 清い空気 (pure air), and 清い川 (clear river) are very common.
The air in the mountains felt so pure.
山の空気はとても清いと感じた。 - Moral and Ethical Discussions
- In more serious conversations about character, ethics, or justice, 清い is used to denote moral uprightness. This can be in discussions about politicians, business leaders, or even personal relationships. A 清い心 (pure heart) or 清い行動 (pure action) signifies integrity and lack of corruption.
We need leaders with pure intentions.
私たちは清い意図を持つ指導者が必要だ。 - Religious and Spiritual Contexts
- In Shinto or Buddhist contexts, purity is a significant concept. 清い can refer to ritual purity or a state of spiritual cleanliness. You might encounter it in temple or shrine descriptions, or in discussions about spiritual practices.
The water used in the purification ritual was pure.
清めの儀式に使われた水は清いものでした。 - Literature and Poetry
- 清い is a word that lends itself well to poetic and literary expression. It's used to evoke imagery of innocence, natural beauty, and unblemished ideals. You'll find it in novels, poems, and song lyrics.
A clear stream flowed through the quiet village.
清い小川が静かな村を流れていた。 - Everyday Observations
- While less common for mundane cleanliness, people might use it to describe something that is exceptionally clean or fresh, perhaps with a touch of admiration. For instance, a child's unblemished drawing might be described as 清い.
Her smile was so innocent and bright.
彼女の笑顔はとても清いくて明るかった。
While 清い is a useful word, learners can sometimes misuse it, particularly when comparing it to more common Japanese vocabulary for 'clean' or 'clear'. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Confusing with Everyday 'Clean' (きれい/汚れていない)
- Mistake: Using 清い for ordinary situations where きれい (kirei) or 汚れていない (yogorete inai - not dirty) would be more natural. For example, saying 清い部屋 (kiyoi heya - pure room) when you just mean the room is tidy and clean.
Correct Usage: きれい is the go-to word for general cleanliness of objects, places, or people. 清い implies a deeper, more intrinsic purity, often associated with nature or morality. You would say きれいな部屋 (kirei na heya) for a clean room, but 清い水 (kiyoi mizu) for pure water from a mountain spring.
Incorrect: This room is pure.
間違い：この部屋は清い。 Correct: This room is clean.
正しい：この部屋はきれいだ。 - Overusing for 'Clear' (透明)
- Mistake: Using 清い when the primary meaning is simply transparency or lack of obstruction, without the connotation of purity. For instance, describing a clear glass pane as 清いガラス.
Correct Usage: 透明 (tōmei) is the word for transparency, meaning see-through. While 清い water is often transparent, 清い emphasizes its purity, not just its clarity. For a clear glass, you'd use 透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu).
Incorrect: The glass is pure.
間違い：ガラスは清い。 Correct: The glass is transparent.
正しい：ガラスは透明だ。 - Applying to Abstract Concepts Inappropriately
- Mistake: Using 清い for abstract concepts where it doesn't fit the nuance of purity. For example, trying to describe a 'pure' emotion like anger as 清い怒り (kiyoi ikari).
Correct Usage: While 清い can describe pure ideals or intentions, it's not typically used for all abstract emotional states. For emotions, other adjectives might be more appropriate, or the context might imply a lack of 'taint' on the emotion itself. For example, one might speak of a pure love (清い愛 - kiyoi ai) but not usually a pure anger.
Incorrect: His pure anger.
間違い：彼の清い怒り。 More natural: His intense anger.
より自然：彼の激しい怒り。 - Using the wrong verb with it
- Mistake: Pairing 清い with verbs that don't naturally fit the concept of purity or clarity. For example, trying to say 'to make something pure' using an awkward verb.
Correct Usage: While there isn't a single verb for 'to make pure' that perfectly aligns with 清い in all contexts, phrases like 清める (kiyomeru - to purify, often ritualistically) exist. However, for general actions, focus on describing the state of being pure rather than the act of making it so, unless using a specific verb like 清める.
Awkward: I will pure the water.
不自然：私は水を清いにする。 Correct: I will purify the water (ritualistically).
正しい：私は水を清める。
Understanding the subtle differences between 清い and other Japanese words that convey 'cleanliness' or 'clarity' is crucial for accurate usage. Here's a comparison:
- 清い (kiyoi) vs. きれい (kirei)
- 清い (kiyoi): Implies a deeper, intrinsic purity, often related to nature, morality, or spirituality. It suggests an unblemished, pristine quality.
きれい (kirei): A very common word meaning 'beautiful', 'pretty', 'clean', or 'tidy'. It's used for general cleanliness of objects, places, and people. It lacks the strong moral or spiritual connotations of 清い.
Example:
The pure water of the mountain stream.
清い山の湧き水。 My room is clean.
私の部屋はきれいだ。 - 清い (kiyoi) vs. 透明 (tōmei)
- 清い (kiyoi): Emphasizes purity, often with connotations of naturalness or moral integrity.
透明 (tōmei): Strictly means 'transparent', i.e., see-through. It describes the physical property of allowing light to pass through without scattering.
Example:
The pure and clear water.
清い透明な水。 The glass is transparent.
ガラスは透明だ。 - 清い (kiyoi) vs. 純粋 (junsui)
- 清い (kiyoi): Often refers to physical or moral purity, an unblemished state.
純粋 (junsui): Means 'pure', 'genuine', 'unadulterated', 'innocent'. It's often used for abstract concepts like emotions, intentions, or the essence of something. It can also describe a person's innocence or lack of worldly corruption.
Example:
A pure heart.
清い心。 A pure child's love.
子供の純粋な愛。 While there's overlap, 清い often leans towards an unblemished state, while 純粋 can imply an inherent essence or lack of admixture/corruption.
- 清い (kiyoi) vs. 澄んだ (sunda)
- 清い (kiyoi): Focuses on purity, often with moral or natural connotations.
澄んだ (sunda): This is the past tense of 澄む (sumu), meaning 'to become clear', 'to settle', 'to become tranquil'. It's often used for liquids that have cleared up after being cloudy, or for a clear, calm atmosphere or mind.
Example:
The pure spring water.
清い泉の水。 The water has cleared up.
水が澄んだ。 澄んだ is more about the process of becoming clear or a state of clarity after turbidity, whereas 清い is about an inherent state of purity.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The kanji 清 (sei, kiyo-) is often associated with water and cleanliness. You'll see it in words like 清掃 (seisō - cleaning) and 清流 (seiryū - clear stream). This visual connection reinforces the meaning of purity.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing it with equal stress on all syllables.
- Making the final 'i' sound too long.
- Confusing the 'yo' sound with other similar Japanese vowels.
Niveau de difficulté
B1 level reading comprehension is required to grasp the nuances of 清い, especially when it's used metaphorically or in more formal contexts. Understanding the difference between it and きれい or 透明 is key.
Applying 清い correctly in writing requires a good understanding of its contexts, particularly the distinction between physical and moral purity, and when to use it versus synonyms.
Using 清い in spoken Japanese at a B1 level involves recognizing appropriate situations and avoiding misapplication in everyday conversations where きれい might suffice.
Distinguishing 清い from similar words like きれい or 透明 in spoken Japanese requires careful listening to the context and the speaker's intent.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Na-Adjective Conjugation: 清い is a na-adjective, but it conjugates like an i-adjective in its base form (e.g., 清い, 清くない, 清かった). When modifying a noun, it becomes 清い Noun.
清い水 (kiyoi mizu) - pure water.
Predicate Adjective: Like other adjectives, 清い can function as a predicate, followed by だ/です.
この川は清い。(Kono kawa wa kiyoi.) - This river is pure.
Using Adjectives with Particles: Adjectives can be followed by particles like が, は, or ので/から to form more complex sentences.
空が清いので、星がよく見える。(Sora ga kiyoi node, hoshi ga yoku mieru.) - Because the sky is clear, the stars are visible.
Comparison with other Adjectives: Understanding when to use 清い versus きれい, 透明, or 純粋 is crucial for accurate meaning.
きれいな部屋 (kirei na heya - clean room) vs. 清い水 (kiyoi mizu - pure water).
Verb '清める' (kiyomeru): This verb means 'to purify' or 'to cleanse', often in a ritualistic or spiritual sense, and is related to the adjective 清い.
体を清める (karada o kiyomeru) - to purify one's body.
Exemples par niveau
水はきれい。
The water is clean.
きれい is used for general cleanliness.
空は青い。
The sky is blue.
青い means blue.
これは新しい。
This is new.
新しい means new.
元気です。
I am fine/healthy.
元気 means healthy or energetic.
この花はきれい。
This flower is beautiful.
きれい can also mean beautiful.
ここは静かです。
It is quiet here.
静か means quiet.
いい天気。
Good weather.
いい means good.
これは大きい。
This is big.
大きい means big.
川の水がとてもきれいでした。
The river water was very clean.
きれい is used for general cleanliness. Past tense ですでした.
この空気は新鮮で気持ちがいい。
This air is fresh and feels good.
新鮮 (shinsen) means fresh. 気持ちがいい (kimochi ga ii) means feels good.
窓は汚れていない。
The window is not dirty.
汚れていない (yogorete inai) means not dirty.
山の景色は美しい。
The mountain scenery is beautiful.
美しい (utsukushii) means beautiful.
彼の心は純粋だ。
His heart is pure.
純粋 (junsui) means pure, innocent.
透明なコップを使いました。
I used a transparent cup.
透明 (tōmei) means transparent.
澄んだ青空が広がっていた。
A clear blue sky was spreading out.
澄んだ (sunda) means clear, serene.
このお茶は本物だ。
This tea is genuine.
本物 (honmono) means genuine, real.
その泉の水は清くて、飲むと元気が出た。
The water from that spring was pure, and drinking it made me feel energetic.
清い is used for pure water. 元気が出る (genki ga deru) means to feel energetic.
澄んだ夜空に星が輝いていた。
Stars were shining in the clear night sky.
澄んだ is used for a clear sky.
彼女の清い心は誰からも尊敬されていた。
Her pure heart was respected by everyone.
清い心 (kiyoi kokoro) means pure heart.
この森の空気はとても清んでいる。
The air in this forest is very pure/fresh.
清んでいる (kiyonde iru) is the continuous form, implying a state of being pure.
彼の行動は常に清廉潔白だった。
His actions were always pure and irreproachable.
清廉潔白 (seiren keppaku) is a compound word meaning pure and upright.
子供たちの純粋な瞳に希望を見た。
I saw hope in the children's innocent eyes.
純粋な瞳 (junsui na hitomi) means innocent eyes.
透明なガラスの向こうに美しい景色が広がっていた。
Beyond the transparent glass, a beautiful landscape unfolded.
透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu) means transparent glass.
この絵は、作者の純粋な感情を表現している。
This painting expresses the artist's pure emotions.
純粋な感情 (junsui na kanjō) means pure emotions.
都会の喧騒を離れ、清い自然に囲まれた生活を送りたい。
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, I want to live surrounded by pure nature.
清い自然 (kiyoi shizen) means pure nature.
彼の清い理想は、多くの若者たちに影響を与えた。
His pure ideals influenced many young people.
清い理想 (kiyoi risō) means pure ideals.
清らかな心で物事に取り組むことが大切だ。
It is important to approach things with a pure heart.
清らかな (kiyoraka na) is a more literary or formal synonym for 清い, often used for 'pure' in a spiritual or moral sense.
その政治家の清廉潔白な姿勢は、国民の信頼を得た。
The politician's pure and upright stance gained the public's trust.
清廉潔白 (seiren keppaku) emphasizes integrity and lack of corruption.
透明感あふれる歌声は、聴く者の心を洗うようだった。
Her voice, full of transparency, seemed to wash over the listener's heart.
透明感 (tōmeikan) means transparency, clarity (often used for voice or skin).
子供たちの純粋無垢な笑顔は、何よりも価値がある。
The children's innocent and pure smiles are more valuable than anything.
純粋無垢 (junsui muku) means pure and innocent, without blemish.
澄み切った青空の下で、私たちはピクニックを楽しんだ。
Under the perfectly clear blue sky, we enjoyed a picnic.
澄み切った (sumikitta) means perfectly clear, serene.
この伝統工芸品は、素材本来の純粋さを活かしている。
This traditional craft utilizes the inherent purity of its materials.
素材本来の純粋さ (sozai honrai no junsui sa) means the inherent purity of the material.
現代社会においては、真に清い心を持つことの難しさを痛感する。
In modern society, one keenly feels the difficulty of having a truly pure heart.
真に清い心 (shin ni kiyoi kokoro) means a truly pure heart.
その芸術家は、人間の内面にある清澄な精神性を表現しようとした。
That artist attempted to express the pure and clear spirituality within human beings.
清澄な精神性 (seichō na seishinsei) means pure and clear spirituality. 清澄 (seichō) is a more literary term for purity and clarity.
環境破壊が進む中で、清流の姿は失われつつある。
Amidst advancing environmental destruction, the image of clear streams is being lost.
清流 (seiryū) means clear stream, often implying purity.
彼は、一切の妥協を排した純粋な探求心で学問に邁進した。
He advanced in his studies with a pure spirit of inquiry, rejecting all compromise.
純粋な探求心 (junsui na tankyūshin) means a pure spirit of inquiry.
透明度の高い議論は、問題の本質を明らかにする。
Discussions with high transparency clarify the essence of the problem.
透明度の高い議論 (tōmeido no takai giron) means discussions with high transparency.
その音楽は、聴く者の魂を清めるような力を持っていた。
That music had the power to purify the listener's soul.
魂を清める (tamashii o kiyomeru) means to purify the soul. 清める (kiyomeru) is the verb form meaning to purify.
政治における清濁併せ呑む姿勢は、時に必要とされる。
The stance of accepting both purity and impurity in politics is sometimes deemed necessary.
清濁併せ呑む (seidakua wasenomu) is an idiom meaning to swallow both purity and impurity, to be pragmatic and perhaps morally ambiguous.
彼女の文章は、飾り気のない純朴さが魅力だ。
Her writing's charm lies in its unadorned, simple sincerity.
純朴さ (junboku sa) means simple sincerity, naivete, often implying purity of character.
古来より、清流は神聖なものと見なされ、信仰の対象ともなってきた。
Since ancient times, clear streams have been regarded as sacred and have become objects of worship.
清流 (seiryū) and 神聖な (shinsei na - sacred) are used in a deeply cultural context.
その哲学者の思想は、一切の虚飾を排した純粋理性に基づいている。
The philosopher's thought is based on pure reason, devoid of all pretense.
純粋理性 (junsui risei) means pure reason.
環境保護活動家たちは、人間の手によって汚されていない清浄な自然を求めてやまない。
Environmental activists relentlessly seek pure and untouched nature, unpolluted by human hands.
清浄な (seijō na) is a formal word for pure, clean, often used in religious or very formal contexts.
彼は、世俗の欲得を超越した清らかな魂の持ち主であった。
He was a possessor of a pure soul, transcending worldly desires and gains.
清らかな魂 (kiyoraka na tamashii) means pure soul, often in a spiritual sense.
透明な倫理観に基づいた企業活動こそが、長期的な信頼を得る鍵となる。
Corporate activities based on transparent ethics are the key to gaining long-term trust.
透明な倫理観 (tōmei na rinrikan) means transparent ethics.
子供の純真無垢な言葉は、時に大人の複雑な思考を打ち砕く。
A child's innocent and pure words sometimes shatter the complex thoughts of adults.
純真無垢 (junshin muku) emphasizes innocence and purity.
澄み渡る秋空の下、紅葉した山々が鮮やかなコントラストを描いていた。
Under the vast, clear autumn sky, the autumn-colored mountains painted a vivid contrast.
澄み渡る (sumiwataru) means to be perfectly clear and vast.
この純粋培養された微生物は、特定の研究に不可欠である。
This pure-cultured microorganism is essential for specific research.
純粋培養 (junsui baiyō) means pure culture in a scientific context.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Pure water. This phrase refers to water that is naturally clean and unpolluted, often found in springs or remote rivers.
山の湧き水はとても清い水で、飲むと体に良いとされる。
— Pure air. This refers to air that is fresh, clean, and free from pollution, typically found in natural environments.
森林浴をすると、清い空気を吸い込んでリフレッシュできる。
— Pure heart. This signifies a heart free from malice, greed, or negative intentions; a morally upright and innocent disposition.
子供は清い心を持っているから、嘘をつくことを知らない。
— Clear/pure river. This describes a river whose water is visibly clean and often implies a pristine natural setting.
夏休みには、清い川で魚を捕って遊んだ思い出がある。
— Pure ideals. This refers to high moral or ethical principles that are untainted by cynicism or compromise.
彼は清い理想を胸に、社会の不正と戦った。
— Innocent eyes. Often used to describe children or someone with an innocent, untainted perspective.
その赤ちゃんの清い目で見つめられると、どんな悪人も改心するかもしれない。
— Clean hands. Can refer to literal clean hands, but more often implies moral purity or hands that have not been involved in wrongdoing.
裁判官は清い手で、公平な判断を下さなければならない。
— Pure breath/spirit. A more figurative phrase often used in literature to describe a fresh, invigorating, or pure essence, like the arrival of spring.
春の訪れとともに、生命の清い息吹を感じる。
— Pure flow. Can refer to a clear stream, but also metaphorically to a life or process that is natural, uncorrupted, and steady.
人生の清い流れに身を任せ、自然体で生きていくことを心がけている。
— Clear night sky. Refers to a night sky without clouds or pollution, allowing stars to be seen clearly.
都会では見られない、清い夜空に満点の星が輝いていた。
Souvent confondu avec
きれい means 'clean' or 'beautiful' in a general sense. 清い implies a deeper, intrinsic purity, especially for nature or morality, whereas きれい is for everyday tidiness or aesthetic appeal.
透明 specifically means 'transparent' or 'see-through'. While pure water is often transparent, 清い emphasizes its purity, not just its clarity. You'd use 透明 for glass, but 清い for the quality of unpolluted spring water.
純粋 means 'pure', 'genuine', or 'innocent', often applied to abstract concepts like emotions, intentions, or a person's character. While there's overlap with 清い's moral aspect, 清い can also refer to physical purity of substances or environments.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To swallow both purity and impurity; to be pragmatic and morally flexible, accepting both good and bad elements to achieve a goal. It implies a willingness to deal with the complexities of the world, even if it involves compromising on one's ideals.
政治の世界では、清濁併せ呑む度量が必要だと言われる。
Formal/Idiomatic— Like pure water. Used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally pure, innocent, or morally upright.
彼女の笑顔は、清い水のように人々の心を癒す。
Literary/Figurative— With a pure heart. This phrase emphasizes approaching a situation or person with sincerity, honesty, and good intentions, free from ulterior motives.
初心を忘れず、清い心で仕事に取り組むことが大切だ。
Moral/Behavioral— Pure wind. Often used in literature to symbolize freshness, purity, or a gentle, invigorating force.
海岸を吹き抜ける清い風が、心地よかった。
Literary/Figurative— Pure spring. Can be literal, referring to a source of clean water, or metaphorical, representing a source of inspiration, truth, or purity.
彼の言葉は、渇いた心に染み渡る清い泉のようだった。
Figurative/Inspirational— To harbor pure ideals. This idiom describes someone who holds high, uncorrupted principles and aspirations.
若い頃は、清い理想を抱いて社会を変えようと夢見ていた。
Ideological/Aspirational— Pure eyes. Similar to 'innocent eyes', suggesting a lack of worldly cynicism or corrupting influence.
子供たちの清い瞳には、未来への希望が映っていた。
Figurative/Innocence— Pure singing voice. Describes a voice that is clear, beautiful, and free from any harshness or impurity, often evoking a sense of innocence or spiritual quality.
彼女の清い歌声は、教会に響き渡り、聴衆を魅了した。
Artistic/Expressive— To flow like pure water. Describes a natural, unhindered, and pure progression or existence.
人生は、清い水のように流れるのが一番良いのかもしれない。
Philosophical/Figurative— To accept with a pure heart. Implies accepting something without prejudice, judgment, or hidden agendas.
どんな意見でも、清い心で受け入れる姿勢が大切だ。
Interpersonal/AttitudinalFacile à confondre
Both words can translate to 'clean' or 'pure' in some contexts.
きれい is for general cleanliness, tidiness, or beauty (e.g., a clean room, a beautiful flower). 清い implies a deeper, unblemished purity, often associated with nature (pure water, pure air) or moral integrity (a pure heart). You wouldn't typically call a room 'kiyoi' unless it had a special, pristine quality beyond just being tidy.
部屋がきれいです。(The room is clean.) vs. 川の水は清いです。(The river water is pure.)
Both can describe water or air that is clear.
透明 means 'transparent' – allowing light to pass through. It's a physical property. 清い means 'pure' – free from contamination or corruption. Water can be transparent but not pure (e.g., if it's chemically pure but not safe to drink), or it can be pure and also transparent. 清い carries a stronger sense of natural goodness or moral uprightness.
透明なガラス (Transparent glass) vs. 清い泉の水 (Pure spring water).
Both relate to the concept of 'pure'.
純粋 often refers to abstract purity, genuineness, or innocence, especially concerning emotions, intentions, or character (e.g., pure love, innocent child). 清い can also apply to moral purity but is more commonly used for physical purity of substances like water and air, or for an unblemished natural state. While a pure heart can be both 純粋 and 清い, the nuance differs.
子供の純粋な心 (A child's innocent/pure heart) vs. 清い心 (A pure heart, emphasizing moral uprightness).
Both can describe clear water or skies.
澄んだ (from 澄む - sumu) means 'clear' or 'serene', often implying a state achieved after being cloudy or turbid. It describes clarity and tranquility. 清い emphasizes the inherent purity and unblemished quality, often without the implication of having been previously impure. You'd say the water has 澄んだ after it settles, but a mountain spring's water is inherently 清い.
水が澄んだ (The water has cleared up) vs. 清い水 (Pure water).
Both relate to cleanliness.
清潔 means 'clean', 'hygienic', or 'sanitary'. It focuses on the absence of dirt, germs, and mess, often in a practical, health-conscious way (e.g., clean hospital, hygienic practices). 清い is about intrinsic purity and unblemished quality, not just the absence of dirt. A sterile lab might be 清潔, but a pristine natural landscape is 清い.
清潔な病室 (A clean hospital room) vs. 清い空気 (Pure air).
Structures de phrases
Noun は 清い です。
水は清いです。(Mizu wa kiyoi desu.) - The water is pure.
清い Noun。
清い空気 (Kiyoi kūki) - Pure air.
Noun が 清い ので/から Verb。
空が清いので、星がよく見える。(Sora ga kiyoi node, hoshi ga yoku mieru.) - Because the sky is clear, the stars are visible.
Noun は 清い 心 を持っている。
彼は清い心を持っている。(Kare wa kiyoi kokoro o motte iru.) - He has a pure heart.
Noun は 清い Noun です。
これは清い理想です。(Kore wa kiyoi risō desu.) - This is a pure ideal.
Noun は 清い 状態 を保っている。
この湖は清い状態を保っている。(Kono mizuumi wa kiyoi jōtai o tamotte iru.) - This lake maintains a pure state.
清い Noun のように Verb。
清い雪のように白く輝く。(Kiyoi yuki no yō ni shiroku kagayaku.) - To shine white like pure snow.
Noun は 清さ が 際立っている。
この湧き水は清さが際立っている。(Kono wakimizu wa kiyosa ga kiwadatte iru.) - The purity of this spring water stands out.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Medium. Less frequent than きれい, but common enough to be recognized in specific contexts.
-
Using 清い for everyday tidiness.
→
Using きれい for general cleanliness.
清い implies an intrinsic, unblemished purity, often natural or moral. きれい is for everyday cleanliness and beauty. For example, 'My room is clean' should be 部屋がきれいです (Heya ga kirei desu), not 部屋が清いです (Heya ga kiyoi desu).
-
Confusing 清い with 透明.
→
Using 透明 for transparency and 清い for purity.
透明 means 'transparent' (see-through). 清い means 'pure'. While pure water is often transparent, the focus is different. Use 透明 for glass or a clear sky, but 清い for unpolluted spring water or clean air.
-
Applying 清い to all abstract 'purity'.
→
Using 純粋 for innocence or genuineness of emotion, and 清い for moral integrity or unblemished ideals.
While both mean 'pure', 純粋 often refers to innocence or genuineness (pure love, innocent child). 清い can describe moral purity and integrity (pure heart, pure ideals) but is also strongly tied to physical purity in nature.
-
Using 清い for things that are just 'not dirty'.
→
Using 汚れていない (yogorete inai) or きれい.
清い suggests a higher level of purity than simply being not dirty. It implies an inherent cleanness or goodness. For something that is simply free from dirt, きれい or 汚れていない is more appropriate.
-
Using 清い in contexts where 澄んだ is more fitting.
→
Using 澄んだ for clarity after turbidity or for a serene atmosphere.
澄んだ means 'clarified' or 'serene', often implying a state achieved after being cloudy. 清い refers to an inherent, unblemished purity. Water that has settled and become clear is 澄んだ, while pristine mountain spring water is 清い.
Astuces
Nature vs. Morality
Remember that 清い has a dual meaning: pristine natural purity (like clear water) and moral/spiritual purity (like a pure heart). Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended.
清い vs. きれい
Use きれい for general cleanliness and beauty (a clean room, a pretty picture). Use 清い for inherent, unblemished purity, especially in nature or for moral character. Think 'pristine' for 清い and 'tidy' or 'beautiful' for きれい.
Purity Nuances
While 純粋 also means 'pure', it often relates more to innocence or genuineness of emotion. 清い can encompass this but also refers to an uncorrupted state of being, whether in nature or character.
Na-Adjective Behavior
清い is a na-adjective that conjugates like an i-adjective in its base form (清い, 清くない, 清かった). When modifying a noun, it simply precedes it: 清い水 (pure water).
Kanji Clues
The kanji 清 contains the water radical (氵), reminding you of its strong association with clean water and environments. This can help anchor the meaning of purity.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use 清い for everyday tidiness or simple transparency. It's a word with more weight, implying a special quality of unblemished purity. For 'transparent', use 透明.
Cultural Significance
Purity is highly valued in Japanese culture, particularly in Shinto. This cultural backdrop informs the use of 清い, giving it connotations of spiritual cleanliness and integrity beyond simple physical cleanliness.
The 'Key' to Purity
Think of 'ki' in Kiyoi sounding like 'key'. A key unlocks purity and clarity, whether it's the purity of nature or the clarity of a pure heart.
Flowing Purity
The phrase '清い流れ' (kiyoi nagare) can refer to a clear stream or metaphorically to a life lived with integrity and natural flow, uncorrupted by external pressures.
Sentence Building
Practice creating sentences using 清い to describe different things: a natural scene, a person's character, or an abstract ideal. This reinforces its usage in various contexts.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'key' (ki) that unlocks a 'yoyo' (yo-i). This yoyo is made of pure, clear ice. The 'key' to purity is understanding its essence.
Association visuelle
Picture a crystal-clear mountain stream flowing over smooth, white pebbles. The water is so pure you can see every detail of the stream bed. This image represents 清い.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe three things you see around you using 清い, focusing on whether they are truly pure or just clean. For example, 'The sky is 清い,' or 'My desk is きれい, but not 清い.'
Origine du mot
The word 清い originates from Old Japanese. The kanji 清 itself has roots in ancient Chinese characters related to water and clarity. The character depicts water (氵) flowing over a mountain (巠), suggesting purity and clarity.
Sens originel : The core meaning has always been related to purity and clarity, both physically and later, metaphorically for moral states.
Japonic languages, influenced by Chinese.Contexte culturel
When using 清い to describe people or their actions, be mindful of the strong moral implications. It implies a high standard of integrity, so use it appropriately and avoid casual application that might seem judgmental.
In English, we have words like 'pure', 'pristine', 'unblemished', 'immaculate', and 'virtuous'. While 'clean' can overlap, 'pure' often carries a similar weight of intrinsic goodness or lack of corruption.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing pristine natural environments.
- 清い水
- 清い空気
- 清い川
- 清い自然
Discussing moral character and integrity.
- 清い心
- 清い理想
- 清い行動
- 清廉な人物
Literary or poetic descriptions.
- 清い息吹
- 清い流れ
- 清い目
- 清らかな歌声
Religious or spiritual contexts (less common for learners).
- 清める
- 清浄な場所
Contrasting with everyday cleanliness or transparency.
- きれい vs. 清い
- 透明 vs. 清い
Amorces de conversation
"What's the purest natural place you've ever visited?"
"Do you think it's possible to have a completely pure heart in today's world?"
"What does 'purity' mean to you, in both a physical and moral sense?"
"Are there any places in your country known for their exceptionally clean air or water?"
"How important is moral integrity in leaders, in your opinion?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a memory of a place that felt incredibly pure and untouched by human hands. Use '清い' in your description.
Reflect on a time you acted with integrity or witnessed someone else do so. How would you describe that purity of action?
Imagine a perfect environment. What elements contribute to its 'purity'?
Write about a person you admire for their moral character. What qualities make them seem 'pure'?
Consider the difference between being 'clean' and being 'pure'. Where do these concepts overlap and diverge in your own life?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, while it can mean physically clean (like pure water or air), 清い also strongly implies moral or spiritual purity, innocence, and unblemished character or ideals. It carries a deeper sense of intrinsic goodness than everyday words for 'clean'.
きれい is a general term for 'clean', 'tidy', or 'beautiful'. It's used for everyday cleanliness (a clean room, a pretty dress). 清い implies a more profound, unblemished purity, often associated with nature (pure water, pure air) or moral integrity (a pure heart). You'd use きれい for a tidy desk, but 清い for the water of a remote mountain spring.
Yes, but with nuance. It's often used for 'pure ideals' (清い理想) or a 'pure heart' (清い心). For emotions like love or innocence, 純粋 (junsui) might be more common, but 清い can be used poetically or to emphasize moral uprightness.
Use 透明 when you mean 'transparent' or 'see-through', like clear glass or a clear sky. Use 清い when you want to emphasize the *purity* of something, especially water or air, implying it's unpolluted and naturally good. Pure water is often transparent, but 'kiyoi mizu' emphasizes its pristine quality.
Yes, the related verb is 清める (kiyomeru), which means 'to purify' or 'to cleanse'. This is often used in religious or ritualistic contexts, like purifying oneself or a space.
Yes, it can describe actions that are morally upright, honest, and free from corruption. For example, 'a pure action' (清い行動). However, it's a strong term and implies a high standard of integrity.
It's less common in casual, everyday chat than きれい. You're more likely to hear it when discussing nature, morality, or in more descriptive or literary contexts. However, describing a beautiful, clear stream or mountain air would naturally use 清い.
Direct opposites depend on the nuance. For physical cleanliness, it's 汚い (kitanai - dirty). For clarity of water, it's 濁った (nigotta - turbid/cloudy). For moral impurity, it's 不純 (fujun - impure) or 腐敗した (fuhaishita - corrupt).
Yes, the kanji 清 is composed of the water radical (氵) and a component suggesting clear or flowing. This visual connection to water and clarity strongly reinforces its meaning of purity and cleanness.
Yes, similar words include 純粋 (junsui - pure, innocent), 清浄 (seijō - pure, clean, formal), and 清らか (kiyoraka - pure, elegant, literary). The choice depends on the specific nuance and formality required.
Teste-toi 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
清い signifies purity and cleanness, extending beyond physical states to encompass moral integrity and unblemished natural beauty. It's a word that evokes a sense of pristine quality.
- 清い means pure, clean, or clear.
- Used for nature (water, air) and moral character.
- Deeper meaning than everyday 'clean'.
Nature vs. Morality
Remember that 清い has a dual meaning: pristine natural purity (like clear water) and moral/spiritual purity (like a pure heart). Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended.
清い vs. きれい
Use きれい for general cleanliness and beauty (a clean room, a pretty picture). Use 清い for inherent, unblemished purity, especially in nature or for moral character. Think 'pristine' for 清い and 'tidy' or 'beautiful' for きれい.
Purity Nuances
While 純粋 also means 'pure', it often relates more to innocence or genuineness of emotion. 清い can encompass this but also refers to an uncorrupted state of being, whether in nature or character.
Na-Adjective Behavior
清い is a na-adjective that conjugates like an i-adjective in its base form (清い, 清くない, 清かった). When modifying a noun, it simply precedes it: 清い水 (pure water).
Exemple
山からの湧き水はとても清い。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur nature
～上
B1Le mot 'ue' signifie 'sur' ou 'au-dessus'.
〜の上
A2Sur le dessus de ou au-dessus de quelque chose. 'Le chat est sur la table' se dit 'Neko wa tsukue no ue ni imasu'.
豊か
B1Abondant; riche. La nature est riche (La nature est yutaka).
〜に従って
B1Conformément aux règles, nous avons terminé le projet.
酸性雨
B1La pluie acide est une forme de précipitation devenue anormalement acide en raison de la pollution atmosphérique.
営み
B1L'activité, la vie quotidienne, l'entreprise (par exemple, les activités de la vie).
順応する
B1S'adapter à un nouvel environnement ou à de nouvelles circonstances.
~を背景に
B1Avec... pour toile de fond; dans le contexte de.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1La pollution de l'air est la présence de substances nocives dans l'atmosphère. 'L'augmentation de la pollution de l'air est une préoccupation majeure pour la santé publique.'
