cing1

Jyutpingcing1
Yalechīng
形容詞Very common

Definition

Clear, pure, and free of impurities; simple or concise.

  1. clear, transparent, pure, and free of impurities
  2. simple, concise, or clean in style
colloquialdescriptionshealth

How it's used

Beyond describing physical clarity like water or air, this word often describes a mental state of being alert or sober. It can also describe a simple, uncluttered aesthetic or a straightforward, uncomplicated situation. When used to describe a person's voice, it implies a crisp and resonant quality.

Examples

This glass of water is very clear, it feels good to drink.

Common phrases

sober or clear-headed
crystal clear

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 乾淨, which specifically means clean or free of dirt. While water can be both, a room is usually described as 乾淨 rather than 清.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector