Definition
清 (qīng) is a versatile word meaning 'clear, clean, pure' for water, air, sound, or mind, and as a verb 'to clear up, settle (an account)'. It overlaps with 清楚 (clear/distinct in understanding) and 清晰 (crisp/detailed clarity), but 清 is broader, covering physical cleanliness and settlement, while 清洁 (clean) is strictly an adjective for surfaces and environments.
adjective
clearcleanpure (of water, air, mind, sound)distinctclear (of speech, handwriting, boundaries)
verb
to clear upto settle (an account)to clear (a space or record)
Easily confused
- 晴qínglook-alikeclear, fine (weather)
- 轻qīngsound-alikelight (in weight, not heavy)
- 请qǐnglook-aliketo ask politely, to request
- 青qīngsound-alikegreen (color)
- 精jīnglook-alikeskilled; proficient; refined (of ability)
- 猜cāilook-aliketo guess
Examples
- 清。Zhè bēi shuǐ hěn qīng.This glass of water is very clear.
- 清。Tā de fāyīn bù qīng.His pronunciation is not clear.
- 清。Wǒmen xiān bǎ zhàng qīng le zài shuō.Let's settle the accounts first before we talk.
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