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March 24, 2026
清理qīnglǐ(qing1li3)
清理 (qīng lǐ) means to clear up or tidy up, often used in contexts involving organizing or disposing of items. It can refer to both physical spaces, like cleaning a room, and abstract concepts, such as clearing up misunderstandings. The term implies a thorough and systematic approach to decluttering or organizing.
Frequency#2118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, maintaining a tidy environment is often linked to harmony and auspiciousness. 清理 is commonly practiced during the Chinese New Year as families clean their homes to sweep away misfortune and welcome good luck.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'clean' (清) river flowing (理) through a tidy landscape. The '清' character looks like water flowing smoothly, representing clarity, while '理' suggests order. Visualize yourself clearing clutter from a messy desk to create a clear, organized workspace.
Meanings of 清理
qīnglǐ(qing1li3)
1to clear up
2to tidy up
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About 清理
清理Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2118Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 清理
Podcast: 清理
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AI Study Notes for 清理
Quick Contrast
整理 (zhěnglǐ) - use 清理 when emphasizing the act of clearing out or disposing of items, while 整理 focuses more on organizing or arranging.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'clean' (清) river flowing (理) through a tidy landscape. The '清' character looks like water flowing smoothly, representing clarity, while '理' suggests order. Visualize yourself clearing clutter from a messy desk to create a clear, organized workspace.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 清理 with 清楚 (qīng chǔ), which means 'clear' in terms of understanding. 清理 is more about physical or situational tidiness. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often collocated with words like '环境' (huán jìng, environment) or '空间' (kōng jiān, space).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 清理 connects with other advanced vocabulary relating to organization and cleanliness, such as 整理 (zhěng lǐ, to arrange). Focus on using it in sentences that require a deeper understanding of context and nuance, such as in workplace or academic settings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, maintaining a tidy environment is often linked to harmony and auspiciousness. 清理 is commonly practiced during the Chinese New Year as families clean their homes to sweep away misfortune and welcome good luck.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 清理 in contexts where 整理 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我需要清理我的观点' (I need to clear my viewpoint) instead of '我需要整理我的观点'. Remember that 清理 emphasizes disposal or clearing out.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 清理
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Grammar Patterns of 清理
清理 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Breakfast plates were collected and the slops emptied.
Cultural Notes for 清理
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, maintaining a tidy environment is often linked to harmony and auspiciousness. 清理 is commonly practiced during the Chinese New Year as families clean their homes to sweep away misfortune and welcome good luck.
Frequently Asked Questions about 清理
Yes, while it primarily refers to physical tidying, 清理 can metaphorically apply to clearing up misunderstandings or emotional baggage.
清理 emphasizes clearing away unnecessary items, while 整理 focuses more on organizing what is left.
No, 清理 is versatile and can be used in both formal and casual conversations.
