清 (qīng) - Clear & pure

清Tone 1

qīng ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

清 · qīng

Clear;

pure;

clean;

distinct;

to clear away;

to settle (accounts);

the Qing dynasty (1644–1912).

Clearpureclean

Usage highlights

Clear waterQing dynastyTo clarifyClear and brightFresh and elegantTo settle accounts

Synonyms

  • 澈— clear (of water)
  • 纯— pure
  • 净— clean

Antonyms

  • 浊— turbid; muddy
  • 污— dirty
  • 浑— muddy; confused

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The water is very clear (清水).
  • Please clarify this point (澄清).
  • I want a clear answer (清楚的答案).
  • The Qing dynasty ruled China for centuries (清朝).

Collocations

  • Clear water(清水)
  • Qing dynasty(清朝)
  • To clarify(澄清)
  • Clear and bright(清明)
  • Fresh and elegant(清雅)
  • To settle accounts(清算)

Idioms

  • As clear as day(一清二楚)
  • To draw a clear line of demarcation(划清界限)
  • To be upright and honest(两袖清风)
  • To wash one's hands of the matter(洗手不清)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents purity, clarity, and moral uprightness in Confucian thought.
  • Historically associated with the Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China.
  • Often used in Buddhist contexts to denote purity of mind and freedom from defilement.

FAQ