Definition
澄清 (chéng qīng) has two distinct senses: adjective 'clear, limpid' (of liquids) and verb 'to clarify, to clear up' (facts/misunderstandings). As an adjective, it is more specific to liquids than the broader 清 (qīng) or the poetic 清澈 (qīng chè). As a verb, it contrasts with 明确 (míng què 'to specify') and 疏通 (shū tōng 'to unblock/dredge').
adjective
clearlimpid (of liquid)
verb
to clarifyto clear up (facts, misunderstandings, etc.)
Examples
- 澄清。Zhè tiáo hé de hú shuǐ fēicháng chéng qīng.The lake water in this river is very clear.
- 澄清。Tā gōngkāi chéng qīng le zìjǐ de lìchǎng.He publicly clarified his stance.
- 澄清。Gōngsī xūyào chéng qīng zhège wùhuì.The company needs to clear up this misunderstanding.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.