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A2 adjective #1,300 most common 10 min read

清晰

qīng xī Top 1,300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 清晰 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 清晰 in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, your primary goal is to build a foundational vocabulary for describing the physical world around you. The word 清晰 is an excellent addition to your toolkit because it allows you to describe the quality of the things you see and hear every day. At this stage, you do not need to worry about the complex abstract or logical uses of the word. Instead, focus entirely on its literal meaning: clear to the eyes and clear to the ears. When you are looking at a photograph, watching a video on your smartphone, or looking out the window at the weather, you can use this word to say that the image is sharp and easy to see. When you are listening to a language learning audio track or talking to someone on the phone, you can use it to describe whether the sound is distinct and easy to understand. Grammatically, keep it very simple. Use the basic sentence structure: Subject + 很 + Adjective. For example, you can say 'The picture is very clear' or 'The sound is very clear'. Do not try to use it as a verb or a complex modifier yet. Just practice associating this word with high quality sensory input. A great way to practice is to look at different images on your computer; if an image is blurry, it is not clear, but if it is high definition, it is clear. By mastering this basic, literal application, you lay a strong foundation for understanding the more advanced, abstract meanings of the word as you progress in your Chinese learning journey.

At the A2 elementary level, you are beginning to construct more complex sentences and express more detailed descriptions of your daily life and routines. The word 清晰 becomes incredibly useful here as you expand beyond simple statements. You can now start using this word as an attributive modifier, which means placing it before a noun to describe it. Remember that because it is a two syllable adjective, you must use the structural particle 的 to connect it to the noun. This allows you to create useful phrases like 'a clear picture', 'a clear voice', or 'a clear screen'. You will find this word very helpful when discussing technology, which is a common topic at the A2 level. For example, you can describe the quality of your new television or complain about a bad internet connection making a video call blurry. Additionally, you can start using it as a complement of result with the particle 得. This allows you to say things like 'I can see clearly' or 'I cannot hear clearly'. This structure is vital for everyday communication, especially when navigating situations like doctor's appointments, asking for directions, or participating in a classroom setting where you need to confirm that you can see the whiteboard or hear the teacher. At this level, you should also begin to recognize the difference between this word and its more common, conversational cousin, 清楚. While they are often interchangeable at this stage, noticing that our target word sounds slightly more formal or technical will prepare you for the nuances of intermediate Chinese.

At the B1 intermediate level, your Chinese vocabulary is expanding from the purely physical and concrete world into the realm of abstract concepts and ideas. This is where the word 清晰 truly begins to shine and demonstrate its versatility. You are no longer just describing television screens and photographs; you are now describing thoughts, plans, and communication. At this stage, you should start using this word to describe logical structures and mental states. For example, when discussing a project at work or school, you can talk about the importance of having a 'clear plan' or 'clear steps'. When talking about your personal experiences, you can describe a 'clear memory' from your childhood. Furthermore, you should master its use as an adverbial modifier using the particle 地. This allows you to describe how an action is performed, such as 'speaking clearly', 'expressing oneself clearly', or 'writing clearly'. This is a crucial skill for B1 learners, as you are expected to be able to narrate events and explain your opinions in a structured manner. You must also be strictly careful to avoid the common mistake of using this word to mean 'I understand'. Remember, it describes the objective presentation of information, not your subjective comprehension. By integrating these abstract and adverbial uses into your active vocabulary, your Chinese will sound significantly more articulate, organized, and professional, marking a clear transition from a beginner to an independent user of the language.

At the B2 upper intermediate level, precision in vocabulary selection becomes a primary focus. You are expected to express complex ideas, construct detailed arguments, and navigate professional or academic environments. The word 清晰 is an indispensable tool for achieving this level of sophisticated communication. At this stage, your usage of the word should be highly nuanced and heavily focused on cognitive, logical, and structural clarity. You will frequently use it in business contexts to describe 'clear divisions of responsibility', 'clear strategic objectives', or 'clear market positioning'. In academic or debate settings, you will use it to evaluate the quality of an argument, praising a presentation for its 'clear logic' or 'clear structure'. Moreover, at the B2 level, you must fully master the distinctions between this word and its close synonyms: 清楚, 明确, and 明显. You should know instinctively that while a photograph is 清晰, a political stance is 明确, and an obvious mistake is 明显. Mixing these up at the B2 level is a noticeable error. You should also be comfortable using advanced collocations and idiomatic expressions related to clarity. Your sentences will become longer and more complex, embedding this adjective within sophisticated grammatical structures. For example, you might construct sentences explaining that 'only through clear communication can a team avoid misunderstandings and achieve its goals'. Mastery at this level means using the word not just to describe the world, but to actively organize and clarify your own complex thoughts and expressions in Chinese.

At the C1 advanced level, your command of Chinese is approaching fluency, and your vocabulary usage must reflect a deep understanding of register, tone, and literary nuance. The word 清晰 is no longer just a functional adjective; it is a rhetorical device used to enhance the elegance and impact of your speech and writing. At this stage, you will encounter and utilize this word in formal literature, high level journalism, and complex professional documentation. You should be adept at using it in metaphorical contexts. For instance, describing a 'clear historical trajectory' or a 'clear philosophical framework'. You will also frequently use it in conjunction with four character idioms (chengyu) to elevate your language. Phrases like 历历在目 (vividly clear in one's mind) or 条理清晰 (having a clear and logical organization) should be part of your active repertoire. Furthermore, your understanding of the word's etymology—the combination of the water radical representing purity and the sun radical representing illumination—should inform your reading comprehension of classical or highly literary texts. At the C1 level, you are also expected to effortlessly navigate the subtle stylistic differences between spoken and written Chinese. You will know exactly when to deploy this formal word in a written report to project authority and precision, and when to switch to the more colloquial 清楚 in a casual conversation to build rapport. Your use of the word is precise, deliberate, and culturally attuned.

At the C2 mastery level, your proficiency in Chinese is near native, and your understanding of the word 清晰 encompasses its entire semantic, cultural, and historical spectrum. You possess an intuitive grasp of its most subtle nuances and can deploy it creatively in any context, from casual banter to academic dissertations and poetic prose. At this ultimate stage of language acquisition, you are not merely using the word; you are playing with it. You understand how the concept of clarity (清) is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, representing not just physical transparency but mental purity and moral integrity. You can seamlessly integrate this word into complex, multi clause sentences that explore abstract philosophical concepts, intricate legal arguments, or delicate emotional states. You are fully capable of reading and analyzing classical Chinese literature where the individual characters that make up this word are used in their ancient contexts. Furthermore, you can critically evaluate the usage of this word by native speakers, recognizing regional variations, stylistic choices, and even intentional misuses for rhetorical effect. You can effortlessly generate synonyms, antonyms, and related idioms on the fly, tailoring your vocabulary to the exact intellectual and emotional frequency of your audience. At the C2 level, the word is a fully integrated component of your linguistic identity, allowing you to articulate the most profound and complex realities with absolute, uncompromising clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

清晰 in 30 Seconds

Describes sharp visual images.
Describes distinct, articulate sounds.
Describes logical, well-organized thoughts.
Cannot be used to mean 'I understand'.

The Chinese adjective 清晰 translates directly to clear, distinct, or lucid in English. When you are learning Chinese, understanding the depth and breadth of this word is essential because it bridges the gap between physical perception and abstract cognition. At its core, the word describes a state where boundaries, details, and features are easily perceivable without any ambiguity, blurriness, or confusion. People use this word in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from describing the high definition resolution of a modern television screen to the articulate and well structured arguments presented in a philosophical debate. To truly master this vocabulary word, you must recognize that it operates on three primary levels: visual clarity, auditory clarity, and cognitive or logical clarity. Visual clarity is perhaps the most common and literal application. When you put on a new pair of prescription glasses and suddenly the leaves on the trees are no longer a green blur but individual, distinct shapes, you are experiencing visual clarity. In this context, the word emphasizes the sharpness of an image.

Visual Context: Used to describe photographs, television screens, handwriting, and physical visibility in weather conditions.

这张老照片虽然经过了修复，但人物的面部特征依然非常清晰.

The second level is auditory clarity. When someone speaks with excellent pronunciation, enunciating every single syllable perfectly so that there is no misunderstanding, their speech is described using this adjective. It is not just about volume; it is about the distinctness of the sound waves reaching your ears. A loud voice can still be muffled, but a clear voice is always distinct.

Auditory Context: Used to describe pronunciation, audio recordings, phone call quality, and musical notes.

新闻播音员的吐字非常清晰，非常适合用来练习听力.

The third and perhaps most advanced level is cognitive or logical clarity. This refers to abstract concepts such as memories, thoughts, plans, and logical structures. When you remember a childhood event as if it happened yesterday, your memory is clear. When a business leader outlines a strategy where every step is perfectly justified and easy to follow, their logic is clear.

Cognitive Context: Used to describe memories, logical arguments, business plans, and mental states.

虽然事情已经过去了很多年，但我对那一天的记忆依然十分清晰.

他的演讲逻辑清晰，让所有听众都立刻明白了公司的未来方向.

经过一夜的休息，我的头脑变得更加清晰了.

Understanding these three distinct but interconnected realms of meaning will allow you to use this vocabulary word with the precision and elegance of a native speaker. It is a highly versatile adjective that elevates your descriptive capabilities in both spoken and written Chinese.

Mastering the grammatical application of the adjective 清晰 requires an understanding of its flexibility within Chinese sentence structures. It can function as a predicate, an attributive modifier, an adverbial modifier, and a complement of state or degree. Let us break down each of these grammatical roles in exhaustive detail so that you can construct sentences with absolute confidence. First, let us examine its use as a predicate. In Chinese, adjectives can act directly as the predicate of a sentence without the need for a copula verb like the English verb to be. However, when used this way, the adjective is almost always preceded by an adverb of degree, such as very, extremely, or exceptionally.

Predicative Usage: Subject + Degree Adverb + Adjective. This is the most common way to state that something possesses the quality of clarity.

今天的天气很好，远处的山脉看起来非常清晰.

Second, it frequently functions as an attributive modifier, which means it comes before a noun to describe it. When a multi-syllable adjective modifies a noun in Chinese, the structural particle 的 is strictly required to link the adjective to the noun. This creates noun phrases like clear picture, clear goal, or clear voice.

Attributive Usage: Adjective + 的 + Noun. Used to embed the quality of clarity directly into the noun phrase.

我们需要制定一个清晰的计划，才能保证项目的顺利完成.

Third, this word can be used as an adverbial modifier. In this role, it describes how an action is performed. To turn the adjective into an adverb, you must use the structural particle 地, which functions similarly to the suffix -ly in English. This is incredibly useful for describing actions like speaking, expressing, writing, or explaining.

Adverbial Usage: Adjective + 地 + Verb. Describes the clear manner in which an action is executed.

教授非常清晰地解释了这个复杂的物理概念.

Finally, it can be used as a complement of state or degree. In Chinese grammar, a complement follows a verb to describe the result or the state achieved by the action. This is constructed using the structural particle 得. This structure is perfect for expressing that the result of looking, hearing, or writing is clear.

我戴上眼镜后，把黑板上的字看得很清晰.

请你把字写得清晰一点，不然我看不懂.

By mastering these four distinct grammatical structures, you will be able to deploy this vocabulary word accurately in almost any conversational or written context, significantly elevating your Chinese proficiency.

The adjective 清晰 is not confined to textbooks; it is a high frequency word that permeates daily life, professional environments, and specialized industries in Chinese speaking regions. Understanding the specific contexts where this word naturally occurs will help you recognize it in the wild and use it appropriately. One of the most ubiquitous places you will encounter this word is in the realm of consumer electronics and digital media. In an era dominated by high definition screens, smartphones, and digital photography, this word is the standard marketing term for resolution and visual quality. When you walk into an electronics store in Beijing or Taipei, the sales representatives will constantly use this word to describe the sharpness of a television display or the quality of a camera lens.

Technology and Media: Used to describe screen resolution, image quality, audio fidelity, and video streaming stability.

这款新手机的屏幕分辨率极高，显示的画面异常清晰.

Another critical environment where this word is heavily utilized is in professional and corporate settings. In business meetings, project management, and corporate communications, clarity is paramount. Managers and executives frequently use this word to demand clear objectives, clear divisions of labor, and clear strategic planning. It is a cornerstone of professional vocabulary that conveys competence and organization.

Business and Professional: Used to describe goals, strategies, organizational structures, and communication of expectations.

在项目启动会议上，经理要求每个人的职责划分必须非常清晰.

You will also frequently hear this word in medical and health contexts, particularly concerning vision and hearing. Optometrists use it when testing your eyesight, asking if the letters on the chart are clear. Doctors use it to describe medical imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, noting whether the images are clear enough to make a diagnosis.

Medical and Health: Used in optometry, audiology, and medical imaging to describe the quality of sensory input or diagnostic pictures.

医生看着X光片说，骨折的位置显示得非常清晰.

请问您现在看这排字母觉得清晰吗？

Finally, in the realm of education and academia, this word is used to evaluate the quality of a student's writing or a teacher's explanation. A well written essay has a clear structure, and a good teacher provides clear explanations. By recognizing these diverse contexts, you can see that this word is an indispensable tool for navigating modern Chinese society.

Even advanced learners of Chinese frequently stumble when using the adjective 清晰, primarily because its English translation, clear, covers a much broader semantic range than the Chinese word does. The most pervasive and problematic mistake is using this word to express personal comprehension or understanding. In English, it is perfectly natural to say 'I am clear on this topic' or 'Is that clear to you?' to mean 'Do you understand?'. However, directly translating this into Chinese using this adjective is a severe grammatical and semantic error. You cannot say 我清晰了 to mean I understand. The word describes the objective presentation of information, not the subjective state of human comprehension.

Mistake: Subjective Comprehension: Never use this word to mean 'I understand'. Instead, use 明白 or 清楚.

Incorrect: 听了你的解释，我现在很清晰了.

Correct: 听了你的解释，我现在很明白/清楚了.

Another common mistake involves confusing this word with its close synonym 清楚. While they overlap significantly, they are not always interchangeable. The word we are studying is generally more formal, more literary, and specifically emphasizes the sharpness of details and boundaries. 清楚 is more colloquial and can be used as a verb meaning to understand. If you are casually asking a friend if they heard what you said, using the formal word sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.

Mistake: Overly Formal Usage: Using the formal word in casual, everyday situations where the colloquial alternative is more appropriate.

Unnatural: 你能听清晰我说话吗？

Natural: 你能听清楚我说话吗？

A third mistake is related to collocation, specifically using this word with nouns that require a different type of clarity. For example, when talking about a clear attitude or a clear stance on a political issue, you should not use this word. Instead, you must use 明确, which means clear cut and definite. Using the wrong adjective creates a jarring combination for native speakers.

Mistake: Incorrect Collocation: Pairing the word with nouns related to attitudes, stances, or firm decisions.

Incorrect: 他的态度非常清晰.

Correct: 他的态度非常明确.

By carefully avoiding these three major pitfalls, subjective comprehension, overly formal usage in casual contexts, and incorrect noun collocations, you will demonstrate a sophisticated and accurate command of Chinese vocabulary.

The Chinese language is exceptionally rich in adjectives that describe various forms of clarity, and distinguishing between them is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. The word we are focusing on, 清晰, belongs to a family of synonyms that includes 清楚, 明确, 明显, and 明白. While an English dictionary might translate all of these simply as clear, their usage in Chinese is strictly compartmentalized based on context, formality, and the specific nature of the clarity being described. Let us conduct a deep dive into these alternatives to map out their precise boundaries. The most immediate and common alternative is 清楚. This is the everyday, conversational workhorse for expressing clarity. It is broader in scope and less formal. While you can use either word to describe a high definition television, you would almost exclusively use the colloquial alternative when asking a friend if they heard you correctly over a noisy phone line. Furthermore, the colloquial alternative can function as a verb meaning to understand or to be aware of, a grammatical flexibility that our target word entirely lacks.

Alternative: 清楚: More colloquial, broader usage, can act as a verb meaning to understand.

这件事我已经解释得很清楚了，你还不明白吗？

The next critical alternative is 明确. This word translates more accurately to clear cut, definite, or explicit. It is used exclusively for abstract concepts that require firmness and lack of ambiguity, such as goals, attitudes, stances, rules, and divisions of responsibility. You would never use this word to describe a photograph or a sound. It is about the clarity of intention and definition, not sensory perception.

Alternative: 明确: Used for abstract concepts requiring firmness: goals, attitudes, rules.

我们必须制定一个明确的目标，团队才能有方向.

Another related word is 明显, which translates to obvious, apparent, or evident. This word describes a situation where a fact, a change, or a difference is so clear that it easily catches people's attention and cannot be ignored. It is about the prominence of a fact rather than the sharpness of a detail. For example, if someone loses a lot of weight, the change is obvious.

Alternative: 明显: Used to describe obvious facts, noticeable changes, or stark differences.

吃了药之后，他的病情有了明显的绝对好转.

Finally, we have 明白, which translates to clear, plain, or to understand. As an adjective, it means something is easy to understand. As a verb, it means to comprehend. It is entirely focused on the cognitive process of understanding rather than the physical presentation of details.

我终于明白你的意思了.

By carefully studying these alternatives, you build a sophisticated mental map of Chinese vocabulary, allowing you to select the perfect word for every specific shade of clarity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese philosophy, the concept of '清' (clarity/purity) was highly revered. Daoist thinkers believed that a 'clear' mind, free from the muddy waters of worldly desires, was essential for achieving enlightenment and understanding the true nature of the universe.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰíŋ.ɕí/

US /tɕʰíŋ.ɕí/

Both syllables carry equal weight and stress due to the double first tone. Do not drop the pitch on the second syllable.

Rhymes With

呼吸 (hū xī) 分析 (fēn xī) 熟悉 (shú xī) 消息 (xiāo xi) 休息 (xiū xi) 珍惜 (zhēn xī) 联系 (lián xì) 东西 (dōng xi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as an English 'k' sound.
Pronouncing 'x' as an English 'ks' or 'z' sound.
Dropping the tone on the second syllable, making it sound like a neutral tone (qīng xi).
Confusing the 'ing' ending with an 'in' ending.
Not maintaining a high enough pitch for the first tones.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The characters are somewhat complex. 晰 is not a beginner character and has many strokes.

Writing 5/5

Writing 晰 from memory requires practice due to the multiple components (日, 木, 斤).

Speaking 3/5

The double first tone is easy to pronounce, but remembering not to use it for 'I understand' takes practice.

Listening 3/5

The 'q' and 'x' sounds can be tricky for beginners, but the double first tone makes it distinct.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

看 (to look) 听 (to listen) 很 (very) 照片 (photo) 声音 (sound)

Learn Next

清楚 (clear/understand) 明白 (understand) 模糊 (blurry) 明显 (obvious) 逻辑 (logic)

Advanced

明晰 (lucid) 透彻 (thorough) 历历在目 (vividly clear) 条理 (orderliness) 脉络 (thread/context)

Grammar to Know

Adjectival Modification with 的

清晰的画面 (A clear picture)

Adverbial Modification with 地

清晰地表达 (To express clearly)

Complement of Degree with 得

看得很清晰 (To see very clearly)

Predicative Adjectives with Degree Adverbs

图像非常清晰 (The image is extremely clear)

Resultative Complements

擦清晰 (To wipe clear - though 干净 is more common, the structure applies)

Examples by Level

这个电视的画面很清晰。

The picture on this TV is very clear.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

你的声音很清晰。

Your voice is very clear.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

这张照片不清晰。

This photo is not clear.

Negative form using 不.

我看得很清晰。

I can see very clearly.

Verb + 得 + 很 + Adjective (Complement of degree).

外面的天气很清晰。

The weather outside is very clear.

Basic descriptive sentence.

这是一个清晰的苹果。

This is a clear (distinct) apple.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

字写得很清晰。

The characters are written very clearly.

Verb + 得 + 很 + Adjective.

水很清晰。

The water is very clear.

Basic descriptive sentence.

我买了一台画面非常清晰的电脑。

I bought a computer with a very clear screen.

Adjective + 的 + Noun as an object.

电话里的声音不够清晰，你能再说一遍吗？

The voice on the phone is not clear enough, can you say it again?

Adverb 不够 (not enough) modifying the adjective.

戴上眼镜后，我看到的世界变得清晰了。

After putting on glasses, the world I see has become clear.

Adjective used to describe a change in state with 了.

请用清晰的声音回答老师的问题。

Please answer the teacher's question with a clear voice.

Prepositional phrase 用...的声音 (with a... voice).

这本说明书上的图片非常清晰，很容易看懂。

The pictures in this manual are very clear and easy to understand.

Two clauses connected by a logical relationship.

昨晚的月亮特别清晰。

The moon last night was especially clear.

Degree adverb 特别 (especially).

他把黑板擦得很清晰。

He wiped the blackboard very cleanly/clearly.

Resultative complement structure with 把.

我们需要一张更清晰的地图来找到那个地方。

We need a clearer map to find that place.

Comparative adverb 更 (more).

为了让大家听懂，他非常清晰地解释了游戏规则。

In order for everyone to understand, he explained the rules of the game very clearly.

Adverbial modifier: Adjective + 地 + Verb.

我对童年时期的那件事还有着清晰的记忆。

I still have a clear memory of that incident from my childhood.

Abstract noun collocation: 清晰的记忆 (clear memory).

这篇文章的逻辑不够清晰，读者很难抓住重点。

The logic of this article is not clear enough; it is hard for readers to grasp the main points.

Abstract noun collocation: 逻辑清晰 (clear logic).

在面试时，你需要清晰地表达自己的职业规划。

During an interview, you need to clearly express your career plans.

Adverbial modifier with an abstract verb (表达 - express).

只有目标清晰，我们才能知道下一步该怎么做。

Only when the goal is clear can we know what to do next.

Conditional structure 只有...才 (Only if... then).

监控录像非常清晰，警察很快就认出了嫌疑人。

The surveillance video was very clear, and the police quickly identified the suspect.

Cause and effect relationship implied in two clauses.

她的发音非常清晰，是学习中文的好榜样。

Her pronunciation is very clear; she is a good role model for learning Chinese.

Collocation: 发音清晰 (clear pronunciation).

经过讨论，大家的思路变得越来越清晰了。

After the discussion, everyone's train of thought became clearer and clearer.

Progressive change structure: 越来越 (more and more).

一份优秀的商业计划书必须具备清晰的市场定位和盈利模式。

An excellent business plan must have a clear market positioning and profit model.

Complex noun phrase modification in a professional context.

他不仅专业知识扎实，而且思维清晰，能够迅速解决突发问题。

Not only is his professional knowledge solid, but his thinking is also clear, enabling him to quickly solve unexpected problems.

Parallel structure 不仅...而且 (Not only... but also) with abstract attributes.

在法庭上，证人清晰地回忆了案发当晚的每一个细节。

In court, the witness clearly recalled every detail of the night the crime occurred.

Adverbial use in a formal, high-stakes context.

这部纪录片以清晰的脉络展现了人类文明的发展史。

This documentary presents the history of human civilization development with a clear thread/outline.

Advanced collocation: 清晰的脉络 (clear thread/context).

管理层需要向员工传达清晰的期望，以避免工作中的推诿扯皮。

Management needs to communicate clear expectations to employees to avoid passing the buck at work.

Formal business vocabulary integration.

尽管面临巨大的压力，她依然保持着头脑清晰，做出了正确的决定。

Despite facing immense pressure, she still maintained a clear head and made the right decision.

Concessive clause 尽管...依然 (Although... still).

现代医学影像技术使得医生能够清晰地观察到人体内部的微小病变。

Modern medical imaging technology allows doctors to clearly observe minute lesions inside the human body.

Technical/scientific context usage.

这幅画作层次清晰，色彩对比强烈，展现了画家高超的技艺。

This painting has clear layers and strong color contrast, demonstrating the painter's superb skill.

Artistic/literary description: 层次清晰 (clear layers).

该法案的条款界定不够清晰，在实际执行过程中引发了诸多争议。

The provisions of the bill are not clearly defined, which has sparked numerous controversies during its actual implementation.

Legal/administrative register with complex vocabulary.

作者以极其清晰的笔触，勾勒出了那个动荡时代的社会百态。

With extremely clear strokes, the author outlined the various aspects of society during that turbulent era.

Literary metaphor: 清晰的笔触 (clear strokes/writing style).

在错综复杂的国际局势中，保持清晰的战略认知是国家发展的关键。

In the intricate and complex international situation, maintaining clear strategic awareness is key to national development.

Geopolitical/macro-level abstract collocation.

他的演讲条理清晰、丝丝入扣，将一个深奥的哲学问题剖析得淋漓尽致。

His speech was logically clear and tightly woven, analyzing a profound philosophical question thoroughly.

Integration with advanced idioms (条理清晰, 丝丝入扣).

企业重组后，各部门的权责划分变得更加清晰，极大地提高了运营效率。

After the corporate restructuring, the division of power and responsibility among departments became clearer, greatly improving operational efficiency.

Corporate management terminology.

尽管岁月流逝，但故乡那条清澈见底的小河依然清晰地印在我的脑海中。

Although years have passed, the crystal-clear river of my hometown is still clearly imprinted in my mind.

Poetic/nostalgic expression with complex sentence structure.

科学研究要求研究者具备清晰的逻辑推演能力和严谨的实验态度。

Scientific research requires researchers to possess clear logical deduction abilities and a rigorous experimental attitude.

Academic/scientific requirement description.

这篇社论观点鲜明，论证过程清晰有力，具有很强的说服力。

This editorial has a distinct viewpoint, and its argumentation process is clear and powerful, possessing strong persuasiveness.

Journalistic critique vocabulary.

在浩瀚的历史长河中，那些真正推动人类进步的思想，其脉络总是清晰可辨的。

In the vast river of history, the threads of those ideas that truly drive human progress are always clearly discernible.

Philosophical/historical discourse with classical undertones.

他以一种近乎冷酷的清晰，剖析了人性深处潜藏的贪婪与恐惧。

With an almost ruthless clarity, he dissected the greed and fear hidden deep within human nature.

Literary psychological analysis, using clarity as an abstract noun concept.

繁复的表象往往会掩盖事物的本质，唯有具备洞若观火的智慧，方能拨云见日，获得清晰的洞见。

Complex appearances often obscure the essence of things; only with wisdom that sees as clearly as looking at a fire can one clear the clouds to see the sun and gain clear insight.

Heavy use of Chengyu (洞若观火, 拨云见日) surrounding the target word.

这部交响乐的声部交织极其复杂，但在指挥家的调配下，每一个音符都呈现出水晶般的清晰。

The intertwining of the vocal parts in this symphony is extremely complex, but under the conductor's arrangement, every note presents a crystal-like clarity.

Advanced artistic metaphor (水晶般的清晰 - crystal-like clarity).

面对千头万绪的改革难题，决策者必须保持清醒的头脑和清晰的改革路线图。

Facing a multitude of complex reform challenges, decision-makers must maintain a sober mind and a clear roadmap for reform.

High-level political/administrative rhetoric.

庄子的哲学虽然充满奇幻的寓言，但其对于追求精神绝对自由的逻辑主线却是异常清晰的。

Although Zhuangzi's philosophy is full of fantastic fables, its main logical thread pursuing absolute spiritual freedom is exceptionally clear.

Academic analysis of classical Chinese philosophy.

在量子力学的微观世界里，经典物理学中那种清晰的因果决定论变得模糊不清。

In the microscopic world of quantum mechanics, the clear causal determinism found in classical physics becomes blurred.

Advanced scientific/theoretical discourse.

优秀的翻译不仅要传达原文的字面意义，更要在跨语言的转换中保持思想的清晰与连贯。

Excellent translation must not only convey the literal meaning of the original text but also maintain the clarity and coherence of thought during cross-linguistic conversion.

Meta-linguistic discussion on translation theory.

Common Collocations

画面清晰

吐字清晰

思路清晰

逻辑清晰

记忆清晰

图像清晰

目标清晰

条理清晰

声音清晰

轮廓清晰

Common Phrases

清晰可见

— Clearly visible. Used to describe things that can be seen without any difficulty.

山顶上的积雪清晰可见。

头脑清晰

— Clear-headed. Used to describe a state of mental alertness and logical thinking.

早上刚起床时，我的头脑最清晰。

表达清晰

— To express clearly. Used to describe articulate communication.

在会议上，他表达清晰地阐述了自己的观点。

字迹清晰

— Clear handwriting. Used to describe legible writing.

这份文件的字迹非常清晰。

定位清晰

— Clear positioning. Used in business to describe a well-defined market strategy.

这个品牌的市场定位非常清晰。

层次清晰

— Clear layers/structure. Used to describe well-organized writing, art, or management structures.

这篇论文层次清晰，论证有力。

清晰度高

— High resolution/definition. Used to describe screens or images.

这款相机的清晰度非常高。

脉络清晰

— Clear thread/context. Used to describe a clear sequence of events or logical flow.

这部小说的故事脉络十分清晰。

界限清晰

— Clear boundaries. Used to describe distinct separations between concepts or areas.

这两个部门的职责界限必须清晰。

异常清晰

— Exceptionally clear. Used to emphasize a high degree of clarity.

今天夜空中的星星异常清晰。

Often Confused With

清晰 vs 清楚

清楚 is more colloquial and can be used as a verb meaning 'to understand'. 清晰 is more formal and strictly an adjective/adverb.

清晰 vs 明白

明白 means 'to understand' or 'easy to understand'. It focuses on cognitive comprehension, whereas 清晰 focuses on objective presentation.

清晰 vs 明确

明确 means 'clear-cut' or 'definite'. It is used for goals, attitudes, and rules, not for visual or auditory clarity.

Idioms & Expressions

"一清二楚"

— Perfectly clear; crystal clear. Means every detail is known or visible.

这件事的来龙去脉，他心里一清二楚。

Neutral/Idiomatic

"历历在目"

— Vividly clear in one's mind. Used to describe past events that are remembered as if they are happening right now.

童年时的趣事，至今依然历历在目。

Literary/Formal

"泾渭分明"

— As clear as the distinct waters of the Jing and Wei rivers. Used to describe a clear distinction between right and wrong, or two different things.

这两派的观点截然不同，泾渭分明。

Formal/Literary

"黑白分明"

— A clear distinction between black and white. Used to describe a clear difference between right and wrong.

在这个问题上，是非黑白分明，不容混淆。

Neutral

"明察秋毫"

— Able to see the fine down of a bird in autumn. Used to describe someone with exceptionally sharp vision or keen insight into details.

这位侦探明察秋毫，不放过任何线索。

Formal/Literary

"洞若观火"

— As clear as looking at a fire. Used to describe a profound and clear understanding of a situation.

他对目前的经济形势洞若观火。

Formal/Literary

"一目了然"

— Obvious at a glance. Used to describe something that is so clear it requires no explanation.

这张图表做得很直观，数据变化一目了然。

Neutral

"清清楚楚"

— Very clear. A reduplicated form of 清楚 for emphasis.

请你把事情的经过清清楚楚地写下来。

Informal/Conversational

"水落石出"

— When the water recedes, the rocks emerge. Used to describe the truth finally becoming clear after an investigation.

经过警方的调查，这起案件终于水落石出了。

Neutral/Idiomatic

"昭然若揭"

— Abundantly clear; obvious to all. Often used to describe hidden motives or evil intentions being exposed.

他的野心已经昭然若揭了。

Formal/Literary

Easily Confused

清晰 vs 清楚

Both translate to 'clear'.

清楚 is casual and can mean 'to understand'. 清晰 is formal and focuses on high resolution or sharp details.

我听清楚了 (I heard it clearly) vs. 画面很清晰 (The picture is very clear).

清晰 vs 明白

Both relate to clarity of thought.

明白 is subjective (I understand). 清晰 is objective (The explanation is clear).

我明白了 (I understand) vs. 解释很清晰 (The explanation is clear).

清晰 vs 明确

Both describe abstract clarity.

明确 is for firmness and definition (goals, rules). 清晰 is for logical structure or sensory input.

目标明确 (Clear goal) vs. 逻辑清晰 (Clear logic).

清晰 vs 明显

Both describe things that are easy to perceive.

明显 means 'obvious' or 'apparent' (a clear mistake). 清晰 means 'distinct' or 'sharp' (a clear photo).

明显的错误 (Obvious mistake) vs. 清晰的照片 (Clear photo).

清晰 vs 明晰

Nearly identical characters and meaning.

明晰 is highly literary and almost exclusively used for abstract concepts like logic or concepts. 清晰 is more common and used for both physical and abstract things.

概念明晰 (Lucid concept) vs. 声音清晰 (Clear sound).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 很 + 清晰

照片很清晰。

Subject + 是 + 清晰的 + Noun

这是一个清晰的计划。

Subject + 清晰地 + Verb

他清晰地说明了情况。

Verb + 得 + 很清晰

我听得很清晰。

只有...才...清晰

只有戴上眼镜，我才能看清晰。

保持 + 头脑/思路 + 清晰

考试时要保持头脑清晰。

以清晰的 + Noun + Verb

他以清晰的逻辑反驳了对方。

...清晰可见

远处的山脉清晰可见。

Word Family

Nouns

清晰度 (resolution/definition)

Adjectives

清晰 (clear)

不清晰 (unclear)

清 (clear/pure)

晰 (distinct)

清楚 (clear)

明晰 (lucid)

模糊 (blurry)

How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes

我清晰这个问题了。 → 我明白这个问题了。
'清晰' cannot be used as a verb to mean 'understand'. Use '明白' or '清楚'.
他的态度很清晰。 → 他的态度很明确。
For abstract concepts requiring firmness like attitudes or goals, use '明确' (definite), not '清晰'.
他清晰说出了答案。 → 他清晰地说出了答案。
When used as an adverb modifying a verb, the structural particle '地' is mandatory.
这是一个清晰照片。 → 这是一张清晰的照片。
Two-syllable adjectives require the particle '的' when modifying a noun. Also, use the correct measure word '张'.
你能听清晰吗？ → 你能听清楚吗？
In casual spoken Chinese, '清楚' is much more natural than the formal '清晰' when asking about hearing.

Tips

Mandatory Particles

Always remember the golden rule: use '的' before nouns (清晰的照片) and '地' before verbs (清晰地说).

The 'I Understand' Trap

Never use this word to express your own comprehension. It is for describing the object, not the subject.

Tech Vocabulary

If you are buying electronics in China, look for '清晰度' (resolution) on the spec sheet.

Tone Consistency

Practice holding a high, steady pitch. Don't let your voice drop on the second syllable.

Abstract Nouns

Pair it with words like 逻辑 (logic), 思路 (train of thought), and 记忆 (memory) to sound advanced.

When in doubt, use 清楚

If you are in a casual conversation and aren't sure which word to use, '清楚' is usually the safer, more natural choice.

Elevate your essays

Using '清晰' instead of '清楚' in your written Chinese essays will immediately make your writing sound more formal and academic.

Context Clues

When listening, if you hear this word, pay attention to whether the context is visual, auditory, or logical to fully grasp the meaning.

Learn '历历在目'

If you want to impress a native speaker, use the idiom '历历在目' instead of '记忆很清晰' to describe a vivid memory.

Attitude vs. Clarity

Don't say '态度清晰'. Say '态度明确'. Clarity of detail is different from clarity of intention.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a CLEAR (清) river under the bright SUN (日 in 晰). The water is so pure that you can clearly see every stone at the bottom.

Visual Association

Imagine looking through a dirty window, and then someone wipes it completely clean. The sudden sharp, high-definition view of the world outside is exactly what this word represents.

Word Web

清晰画面 (picture) 声音 (sound) 逻辑 (logic) 记忆 (memory) 表达 (expression) 头脑 (mind) 目标 (goal)

Challenge

Look around your room right now. Find three things that are visually sharp and distinct. Say '这个东西很清晰' for each one. Then, think of a memory from yesterday and say '我的记忆很清晰'.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters: 清 (qīng) and 晰 (xī). The character 清 originally referred to pure, unpolluted water, as indicated by its water radical (氵) on the left. Over millennia, it evolved to represent anything pure, clean, peaceful, or distinct. The character 晰 combines the sun radical (日) on the left, representing light and brightness, with a phonetic component (析) on the right, which means to split or analyze wood. Together, 晰 forms a concept of something being brought into the bright light and analyzed so thoroughly that every detail is visible.

Original meaning: Pure water illuminated by the sun, revealing all details.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

There are no major cultural sensitivities or offensive connotations associated with this word. It is a safe, universally applicable adjective.

English speakers often use 'clear' to mean 'I understand' (e.g., 'Are we clear?'). This cultural habit must be unlearned when speaking Chinese, as the target word cannot be used this way.

The phrase '字迹清晰' is often found on official Chinese exam papers, instructing students to write legibly. In Chinese tech reviews, '超高清清晰度' (Ultra HD resolution) is a major selling point. Classical poems often use the character '清' to describe the moon or water, setting a serene and clear mood.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology and Screens

画面清晰
清晰度高
超高清
图像不清晰

Communication and Speech

吐字清晰
声音清晰
表达清晰
听不清晰

Business and Planning

目标清晰
思路清晰
计划清晰
定位清晰

Memory and Cognition

记忆清晰
头脑清晰
逻辑清晰
印象清晰

Vision and Observation

清晰可见
轮廓清晰
字迹清晰
看得很清晰

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这款新手机的屏幕清晰吗？ (Do you think the screen of this new phone is clear?)"

"你能清晰地记得你五岁时发生的事情吗？ (Can you clearly remember what happened when you were five?)"

"在开会时，你觉得怎样才能把自己的想法表达得更清晰？ (In a meeting, how do you think you can express your ideas more clearly?)"

"你喜欢看高清晰度的电影吗？ (Do you like watching high-definition movies?)"

"你觉得学习一门新语言，发音清晰重要吗？ (Do you think clear pronunciation is important when learning a new language?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a very clear childhood memory. Why do you think it is still so 清晰?

Write about a time when someone explained a complex topic to you very 清晰地.

Compare an old, blurry photograph with a modern, high-definition one. Use the word 清晰.

What are your goals for the next year? Write them down to make your plans more 清晰.

Describe the view from your window on a day when the weather is perfectly clear and everything is 清晰可见.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. '清晰' describes the objective clarity of a thing (like a picture or an explanation). To say 'I understand', you must use '我明白了' or '我清楚了'.

'清楚' is more casual and common in daily speech. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to know/understand'. '清晰' is more formal, often used in writing, and specifically emphasizes sharp details, high resolution, or strong logical structure.

To use it as an adverb (meaning 'clearly'), you must add the structural particle '地' after it. For example, '清晰地表达' means 'to express clearly'.

No, it sounds unnatural to say a person's attitude is '清晰'. For attitudes, stances, or goals, you should use '明确' (míng què), which means clear-cut and definite.

Yes, but usually in specific contexts like visibility. You can say '视线清晰' (visibility is clear). For a clear, sunny day, '晴朗' (qíng lǎng) is more common.

The term for high definition (HD) is '高清晰度' (gāo qīng xī dù), often abbreviated to '高清' (gāo qīng).

No, it applies to vision (clear picture), hearing (clear voice), and cognition (clear logic, clear memory).

The most direct antonym is '模糊' (mó hu), which means blurry, vague, or indistinct.

Yes. Because it is a two-syllable adjective, you must use '的' before the noun. For example, '清晰的画面' (a clear picture).

Yes, both 'qīng' and 'xī' are first tone. You must keep your voice high and flat for both syllables to pronounce it correctly.