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March 24, 2026
清楚qīngchu(qing1chu5)
The word 清楚 (qīngchǔ) means clear or distinct, and is often used to describe something that is easy to understand or not confusing. It can refer to clarity in communication, understanding a concept thoroughly, or the distinctness of an object or idea.
Strokes24Frequency#367DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 清楚 (clear) in communication is highly valued, especially in education and business, where misunderstandings can lead to significant issues. The emphasis on clarity reflects the cultural importance placed on effective communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clear pond (清) where everything is visible beneath the surface (楚). The sound 'qīng' sounds like 'cling', as in clinging to the clear view of what's below. Together, they form a vivid image of clarity and distinctness.
Meanings of 清楚
qīngchu(qing1chu5)
1clear
2distinct
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About 清楚
清楚Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#367Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 清楚
Podcast: 清楚
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AI Study Notes for 清楚
Quick Contrast
明白 (míngbái) - use 清楚 when emphasizing clarity or distinctness, while 明白 focuses more on understanding or comprehension.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 清楚 with other similar words like 明白 (míngbái), which also means to understand but is less about clarity and more about comprehension. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, while in formal writing, you might choose clearer alternatives depending on the context.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 清楚 connects with other basic verbs and adjectives related to understanding and perception. Focus on using it in sentences that express clarity or understanding in different contexts, enhancing your vocabulary range.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 清楚 inappropriately in formal writing; for instance, saying '我清楚这个项目' (wǒ qīngchǔ zhège xiàngmù) in a business report may sound too casual. Instead, use '我理解这个项目' (wǒ lǐjiě zhège xiàngmù) to maintain a formal tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 清楚
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How Well Do You Know 清楚?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 清楚 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The word 清楚 (qīngchǔ) means clear or distinct, and is often used to describe something that is easy to understand or not confusing. It can refer to clarity in communication, understanding a concept thoroughly, or the distinctness of an object or idea.
When to use 清楚
Learners often confuse 清楚 with other similar words like 明白 (míngbái), which also means to understand but is less about clarity and more about comprehension. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, while in formal writing, you might choose clearer alternatives depending on the context.
清楚 or something close to it
明白 (míngbái) - use 清楚 when emphasizing clarity or distinctness, while 明白 focuses more on understanding or comprehension.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 清楚 inappropriately in formal writing; for instance, saying '我清楚这个项目' (wǒ qīngchǔ zhège xiàngmù) in a business report may sound too casual. Instead, use '我理解这个项目' (wǒ lǐjiě zhège xiàngmù) to maintain a formal tone.
Write 清楚
清
楚
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Grammar Patterns of 清楚
清楚 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 4 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.
