In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'to clean' a space.
- Combines the noun 'cleaning' with the verb 'to do'.
- Used for rooms, houses, and offices, but not dishes.
Meaning
This phrase literally means 'to do cleaning.' It is the standard way to talk about tidying up your room, house, or any physical space.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about weekend plans
주말에 방 청소를 했어요.
I cleaned my room over the weekend.
Suggesting a joint activity
우리 같이 청소할까요?
Shall we clean together?
In a professional setting
지금 사무실 청소를 하고 있습니다.
We are currently cleaning the office.
Cultural Background
Cleaning is often a group activity.
Particle usage
You can drop '를' in casual speech.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'to clean' a space.
- Combines the noun 'cleaning' with the verb 'to do'.
- Used for rooms, houses, and offices, but not dishes.
What It Means
청소를 하다 is your go-to phrase for tidying up. It literally means "to do cleaning." Think of it as the "reset button" for your living space. It covers everything from dusting and vacuuming to organizing. If you are making a space look neat, this is the verb you need.
How To Use It
You simply place the object you are cleaning before the phrase. Want to clean your room? Say 방 청소를 해요. Cleaning the whole house? Use 집 청소를 해요. It is a very flexible and common verb. You can use it as a statement, a question, or a suggestion.
When To Use It
Use it when your parents are visiting. Use it when you lose your remote in the couch cushions. It is perfect for describing your weekend chores. Koreans use it for offices and schools too. It is a very practical, everyday expression.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for washing your body. That is 씻다 or 샤워하다. Don't use it for washing dishes either. That is 설거지를 하다. Also, avoid it for laundry, which is 빨래를 하다. Keep 청소 strictly for environments and spaces.
Cultural Background
Koreans take cleaning very seriously from a young age. Students often clean their own classrooms daily. It is not just a chore; it builds shared responsibility. 대청소 (big cleaning) usually happens before major holidays like Lunar New Year. It is seen as clearing out old energy for a fresh start.
Common Variations
방 청소 means cleaning a specific room. 물청소 involves using water, like mopping or hosing down a porch. 대청소 is the "boss level" deep clean of a whole building. You might also hear 청소기를 돌리다, which specifically means "to run the vacuum."
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral phrase. Its formality changes entirely based on how you conjugate the '하다' part (e.g., 해요, 합니다, 해).
Particle usage
You can drop '를' in casual speech.
Examples
6주말에 방 청소를 했어요.
I cleaned my room over the weekend.
A simple past tense description of a chore.
우리 같이 청소할까요?
Shall we clean together?
Using the 'shall we' ending to suggest tidying up.
지금 사무실 청소를 하고 있습니다.
We are currently cleaning the office.
Formal present continuous tense used in a workplace.
나 지금 청소 중! 이따가 전화할게.
I'm cleaning right now! I'll call you later.
Using '중' (middle/in progress) for a quick status update.
제 방은 쓰레기통이에요. 청소해야 돼요.
My room is a trash can. I have to clean.
A humorous way to express the urgent need for cleaning.
마음이 복잡할 때는 청소를 해요.
I clean when my mind is cluttered.
Expressing how cleaning helps emotional well-being.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
저는 오늘 방 ______.
You 'do' cleaning.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises저는 오늘 방 ______.
You 'do' cleaning.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral.
Related Phrases
정리하다
similarto organize
