In 15 Seconds
- To settle a debt or finish a payment completely.
- Used in both casual friendships and professional business settings.
- Rooted in the tradition of starting the New Year debt-free.
Meaning
This phrase is all about clearing the slate. It means finishing a payment or settling a debt so that nobody owes anyone anything anymore.
Key Examples
3 of 6Splitting a dinner bill with a friend
昨天的饭钱，我们清账了吧。
Let's settle the bill for yesterday's dinner.
A business manager talking to a supplier
我们会在这周五之前完成清账。
We will complete the settlement of accounts by this Friday.
Texting a roommate about utilities
电费我转给你了，清账！
I transferred the electricity money to you, we're even!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'clearing accounts' is deeply tied to the Lunar New Year. Traditionally, all debts must be settled before the new year begins to ensure good luck and a fresh start. It reflects the high value placed on 'Xinyong' (credit/trust) in Chinese social and business circles.
The New Year Rule
If you owe a Chinese friend money, try to 'qīngzhàng' before the Lunar New Year. It shows you respect their culture and want them to have a lucky year!
Don't use it for revenge
While 'qīngzhàng' is about money, 'suànzhàng' (calculating accounts) is often used in movies to mean 'I'm coming for you!' Don't mix them up.
In 15 Seconds
- To settle a debt or finish a payment completely.
- Used in both casual friendships and professional business settings.
- Rooted in the tradition of starting the New Year debt-free.
What It Means
清账 is that satisfying moment when the balance hits zero. It literally means to 'clear the books.' You use it when you pay back a friend for dinner. You also use it when a company pays its suppliers. It is about financial closure and honesty.
How To Use It
Treat it like a verb-object construction. You can say 我们要清账 (We need to settle up). You can also use it as a noun in business contexts. It is short, sharp, and very clear. No pun intended! Just add the person you are settling with before or after depending on the sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it when you finish a group trip and calculate expenses. Use it at the end of the month with your roommate. It is perfect for professional emails about invoices too. It feels responsible and organized. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'Paid' stamp.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for emotional apologies. If you hurt someone's feelings, saying 清账 sounds cold. It implies a transaction, not a transformation of the heart. Also, avoid it for small, one-off favors like holding a door. That would just be weirdly formal.
Cultural Background
In China, 'clear accounts' are the foundation of 'long friendships.' There is a famous saying: 亲兄弟，明算账 (Even brothers keep clear accounts). It means being clear about money prevents resentment. Settling accounts before the Lunar New Year is also a huge tradition. You don't want to carry 'debt' into a new year!
Common Variations
In casual settings, you might hear 结账 (jiézhàng) at restaurants. That is specifically for the bill. 清账 feels more like a final settlement of a running tab. You might also hear 算账 (suànzhàng), which can mean 'calculating' or, more ominously, 'getting revenge.' Stick to 清账 for the friendly, financial version.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It works in a boardroom or a bedroom (when splitting rent). Just remember it implies a 'final' payment.
The New Year Rule
If you owe a Chinese friend money, try to 'qīngzhàng' before the Lunar New Year. It shows you respect their culture and want them to have a lucky year!
Don't use it for revenge
While 'qīngzhàng' is about money, 'suànzhàng' (calculating accounts) is often used in movies to mean 'I'm coming for you!' Don't mix them up.
The 'Even' Feeling
When you say 'qīngzhàng le', it's like saying 'We're even.' It's a great way to end a transaction on a positive, clear note.
Examples
6昨天的饭钱，我们清账了吧。
Let's settle the bill for yesterday's dinner.
Using 'le' at the end suggests completing the action.
我们会在这周五之前完成清账。
We will complete the settlement of accounts by this Friday.
Here it functions as a formal business noun.
电费我转给你了，清账！
I transferred the electricity money to you, we're even!
Short and punchy for a text message.
你还欠我五毛钱，什么时候清账？
You still owe me 50 cents, when are you going to settle up?
The small amount makes the formal word 'qingzhang' funny.
合同结束了，我们把最后的余款清账吧。
The contract is over, let's settle the final balance.
Used to signify the end of a professional relationship.
我终于把房贷清账了，太开心了！
I finally cleared my mortgage, I'm so happy!
Expresses a sense of relief after a long-term debt.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about finishing a payment.
既然你已经还了钱，我们之间就___了。
Since the person paid back the money, the 'accounts are cleared' (清账).
Which verb goes best with 'accounts' in a business context?
财务部正在进行月底___。
The finance department (财务部) performs the 'settling of accounts' (清账) at the end of the month.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Settle Up
Using 'suànzhàng' with friends.
算算多少钱
Standard 'qīngzhàng' for most situations.
我们要清账
Official 'jiésuàn' in banking.
进行资金结算
Where to use 清账
Group Travel
Splitting hotel costs
Office
Paying back for coffee
Apartment
Dividing the rent
Business
Closing an invoice
Practice Bank
2 exercises既然你已经还了钱，我们之间就___了。
Since the person paid back the money, the 'accounts are cleared' (清账).
财务部正在进行月底___。
The finance department (财务部) performs the 'settling of accounts' (清账) at the end of the month.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is almost exclusively used for financial debts or bills. For non-financial favors, use 两清 (liǎngqīng) to mean 'we are even.'
You can, but 结账 (jiézhàng) is much more common for paying a restaurant bill. Use 清账 if you are settling a long-term tab at a local shop.
Not at all! In fact, being clear about money is seen as a sign of a healthy friendship in China. Just say it with a smile.
还钱 (huánqián) just means 'return money.' 清账 implies that the *entire* debt is now finished and the record is clear.
Yes, it is often used in business to describe the final settlement of an account or invoice.
Generally no, it's a neutral or positive word about being responsible. However, if said angrily, it could imply you never want to deal with that person again.
You can say 我们清账了 (Wǒmen qīngzhàng le) or more casually 我们两清了 (Wǒmen liǎngqīng le).
It is a standard Mandarin term used all across China, though northern dialects might add an 'er' sound at the end in very casual speech.
No, to delete a social media account, you would use 注销 (zhùxiāo). 清账 is strictly for the 'ledger' or 'debt'.
Then you haven't 'qīngzhàng' yet. You've only 'huánle yībàn' (paid half). 清 means clear/empty, so it must be the full amount.
Related Phrases
结账
To pay the bill (usually at a restaurant)
两清
Both sides are clear; we are even
还清
To pay off a debt completely
算账
To calculate accounts; to settle a score (revenge)
