清楚 qīngchu clear
clear; distinct; without ambiguity
How to remember 清楚: 清 clear + 楚 clear = clear.
Characters
How it is used
- Clear to the mind or senses - 听清楚了吗 (tīng qīngchu le ma) did you hear it clearly?; 我不清楚 (wǒ bù qīngchu) I'm not sure/don't have it clear.
- Often follows a verb as a resultative complement: 说清楚 (shuō qīngchu) say it clearly, 看清楚 (kàn qīngchu) see clearly.
- Contrast 明白 (míngbai, understand/get it): 清楚 is about clarity of perception or information; 明白 is comprehension. Second syllable neutral tone (qīngchu).
Example sentences
- 他的发言很清楚。 Tā de fāyán hěn qīngchu.His presentation is very clear.
- 请说得更清楚些。 Qǐng shuō de gèng qīngchǔ xiē.Please speak more clearly.
- 你很清楚我想要什么。 Nǐ hěn qīngchǔ wǒ xiǎngyào shénme.You know very well what I want.