Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
清除qīngchú(qing1chu2)
清除 (qīngchú) means to eliminate or get rid of something unwanted or unnecessary. It is commonly used in contexts such as cleaning up, removing obstacles, or clearing away clutter. The term conveys a sense of thoroughness and finality in the action of removal.
Frequency#4274DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and order are highly valued, and the concept of 清除 reflects this emphasis. For instance, during the Qingming Festival, people often 清除 (clear away) weeds and debris from ancestors' graves, symbolizing respect and care.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clear stream (清) flowing freely, free of any debris (除). The image of the stream represents purity and clarity, helping you remember that 清除 means to clear away or eliminate obstacles. Picture someone clearing a path along the stream to keep it clean.
Meanings of 清除
qīngchú(qing1chu2)
1to eliminate
2to get rid of
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 清除
清除Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4274Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 清除
Podcast: 清除
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 清除
Quick Contrast
清理 (qīnglǐ) vs 清除 (qīngchú): use 清理 when focusing on tidying up or organizing, while 清除 emphasizes elimination or removal of unwanted items.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clear stream (清) flowing freely, free of any debris (除). The image of the stream represents purity and clarity, helping you remember that 清除 means to clear away or eliminate obstacles. Picture someone clearing a path along the stream to keep it clean.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 清除 is often used in more formal contexts, such as in government or technical language, rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 清除障碍 (qīngchú zhàng'ài, eliminate obstacles) and 清除垃圾 (qīngchú lājī, clear away trash). Also, remember that the tones are important, as mispronouncing them can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 清除 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to action and removal, such as 处理 (chǔlǐ, to deal with) and 消除 (xiāochú, to eliminate). Focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, especially in formal writing or discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and order are highly valued, and the concept of 清除 reflects this emphasis. For instance, during the Qingming Festival, people often 清除 (clear away) weeds and debris from ancestors' graves, symbolizing respect and care.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 清除 with 清理 (qīnglǐ), which means to tidy up or organize rather than eliminate. For example, saying 我想清除房间 (wǒ xiǎng qīngchú fángjiān) is incorrect if you mean to tidy up a room; it should be 我想整理房间 (wǒ xiǎng zhěnglǐ fángjiān).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 清除
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 清除 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 清除 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 清除
清除 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们从上层文职部门____了上千名公务员。
They have purged thousands from the upper levels of the civil service.
Example Sentences for 清除 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们从上层文职部门清除了上千名公务员。
tā mén cóng shàng céng wén zhí bù mén qīng chú le shàng qiān míng gōng wù yuán。
They have purged thousands from the upper levels of the civil service.
2
无法把所有的沙砾都清除干净。
wú fǎ bǎ suǒ yǒu de shā lì dū qīng chú gān jìng。
You'll never quite get rid of every last bit of grit.
3
牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿蛀蚀和牙龈疾病。
yá bān rú guǒ bù qīng chú jiù huì dǎo zhì yá chǐ zhù shí hé yá yín jí bìng。
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Litter in the hen coop beds down if it is not raked.
9
清除庭院的杂草是件使人囗渴的工作.
qīng chú tíng yuàn de zá cǎo shì jiàn shǐ rén wéi kě de gōng zuò.
Weeding the garden is a thirsty job.
10
我们弄了一些油漆清除剂，把它清理掉了。
wǒ mén nòng le yī xiē yóu qī qīng chú jì， ， bǎ tā qīng lǐ diào。
We got some paint remover and scrubbed it off.
Cultural Notes for 清除
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and order are highly valued, and the concept of 清除 reflects this emphasis. For instance, during the Qingming Festival, people often 清除 (clear away) weeds and debris from ancestors' graves, symbolizing respect and care.
Frequently Asked Questions about 清除
While both words mean to eliminate, 清除 implies a physical removal or clearing away, whereas 消除 often refers to eliminating emotions or problems.
It's more commonly used in formal contexts, so in casual conversation, you might opt for simpler terms like 拿掉 (ná diào, to take away) instead.
清除 is a verb, specifically meaning to clear away or eliminate.
