Definition
清理 (qīnglǐ) means 'to clear out, clean up' — focusing on removing unwanted things (trash, old files, clutter) to make a space or system clean. It differs from 整理 (zhěnglǐ), which means 'to arrange, sort out' — 整理 organizes what's there, while 清理 removes what shouldn't be. 清扫 (qīngsǎo) is more literal 'sweep clean' for surfaces.
verb
to clear upto tidy upto clean out (a space, files, etc.)to dispose of (waste, unwanted items)
Easily confused
- 情理qíng lǐlook-alikereason, sense (based on human feelings and social norms)
Examples
- 清理。Zhōumò wǒ yào qīng lǐ yíxià yīguì.I want to clean out my wardrobe this weekend.
- 清理。Qǐng bǎ zhèxiē lājī qīng lǐ gānjìng.Please dispose of this trash thoroughly.
- 清理。Tā huā le yí gè xiǎoshí qīng lǐ yóuxiāng lǐ de jiù yóujiàn.He spent an hour clearing out old emails in his mailbox.
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