Meaning
The kanji 清 primarily conveys the core meanings of pure, clear, and clean. You'll often find it describing physical cleanliness, the clarity of liquids or air, and even abstract concepts like moral or spiritual purity. Fundamentally, 清 signifies a state free from dirt, impurities, or obstruction, conveying a sense of freshness and transparency.
Its origin can be traced to a combination of two components: 氵 (水, sui), the 'water' radical on the left, and 青 (ao, sei), which means 'blue,' 'green,' or 'fresh.' The 'water' radical clearly indicates a connection to liquids. The element 青, while often denoting colors, also carries connotations of freshness, newness, and verdancy, as seen in words like 青春 (seishun, youth). When combined, 氵 and 青 together visually suggest 'water that is fresh, blue, or green,' naturally leading to the idea of 'clear water' or 'pure water.' This combination vividly conveys the kanji's meaning.
The kanji 清 has 11 strokes and is taught in the 4th grade of Japanese elementary school. This makes it a relatively early kanji in terms of fundamental literacy, despite its JLPT N2 classification for comprehensive understanding.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings adopted from Chinese, often used in compound words (熟語, jukugo).
- セイ (SEI)
セイ is the most common on'yomi for 清, appearing frequently in compound words (熟語, jukugo) related to purity, cleanliness, clarity, and various processes. You'll often encounter it in formal or technical contexts.
清潔 (seiketsu) — clean; hygienic; sanitary. This term describes a state of being free from dirt or germs.
清流 (seiryū) — clear stream. Refers to a stream with pure, unpolluted water.
清算 (seisan) — settlement; liquidation; squaring accounts. This term refers to settling financial or other outstanding matters, like squaring accounts.
ショウ (SHOU)
Although listed as an on'yomi, ショウ is significantly less common in modern Japanese vocabulary than セイ. Its usage is primarily confined to specific historical, literary, or religious contexts, or occasionally as an alternative reading for words typically pronounced with セイ.
- 清浄 (shōjō) — purity; sacredness. While usually read 清浄, you might find the ショウ reading in Buddhist terminology or older texts, where it often emphasizes a state of ritual purity or sacredness.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings, often corresponding to single Japanese words (like verbs or adjectives).
- きよ.い (kiyo.i)
This i-adjective means "pure," "clean," or "clear." It can describe anything from water and air to a person's heart or a sound.
清い水 (kiyoi mizu) — clean water; pure water, like a pristine mountain spring.
清い心 (kiyoi kokoro) — pure heart; innocent heart, free from malice.
きよ.める (kiyo.meru)
This transitive verb means "to purify," "to cleanse," or "to sanctify." It implies an active effort to make something clean or pure.
身を清める (mi o kiyomeru) — to purify oneself, such as washing hands and rinsing the mouth before entering a shrine.
場を清める (ba o kiyomeru) — to cleanse a place; to purify a space.
きよ.まる (kiyo.maru)
This intransitive verb means "to become pure," "to be cleansed," or "to be purified." It describes a state of becoming clean or pure, either naturally or as a result of an action.
- 心が清まる (kokoro ga kiyomaru) — one's heart becomes pure; one's mind is cleansed.
- 体が清まる (karada ga kiyomaru) — one's body becomes purified, perhaps after a refreshing bath in a hot spring or cold stream.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using the kanji 清, grouped by their general theme:
Purity & Cleanliness
- 清潔 (seiketsu) — clean; hygienic; sanitary. Refers to the state of being free from dirt and germs, implying hygiene.
- 清掃 (seisō) — cleaning; sweeping; tidying up. The act of cleaning, sweeping, or tidying up, like daily office cleaning.
- 清浄 (seijō) — purity; cleanliness; sacredness. A state of being impeccably clean and pure, often with a sacred or hallowed implication.
- 清純 (seijun) — innocent; pure; chaste. Often describes a person's character or appearance, emphasizing innocence and chastity.
Nature & Environment
- 清流 (seiryū) — clear stream. A river or stream with pure, transparent, unpolluted water.
- 清水 (shimizu) — pure water; spring water. Often used in place names, signifying a source of pure water.
- 清涼 (seiryō) — cool; refreshing. Describes a pleasant coolness and refreshing sensation, often for air, drinks, or even a feeling.
- 清澄 (seichō) — clear; limpid; serene. Describes the utmost clarity and limpidness of water, air, or a serene state of mind.
Abstract & Figurative
- 清書 (seisho) — fair copy; clean copy. A neat and final version of a document, often meticulously copied from a rough draft.
- 清算 (seisan) — settlement; liquidation; squaring accounts. To resolve outstanding issues, debts, or accounts, bringing things to a close.
- 清貧 (seihin) — honorable poverty; virtuous poverty. Living simply and humbly, but with strong moral integrity and dignity.
- 清廉 (seiren) — integrity; incorruptibility; honesty. Often used to describe public officials or individuals known for their integrity, honesty, and incorruptibility.
Example Sentences
この水はとても清いです。
Kono mizu wa totemo kiyoi desu.
This water is very pure.
毎朝、清らかな空気を吸います。
Maiasa, kiyorakana kūki o suimasu.
Every morning, I breathe in fresh, clear air.
手を清めてから、お参りをしました。
Te o kiyomete kara, omairi o shimashita.
After purifying my hands, I prayed at the shrine.
心が洗われるように清らかな音色でした。
Kokoro ga arawareru yō ni kiyorakana neiro deshita.
It was a clear tone that cleansed the heart.
今日は部屋の清掃をする予定です。
Kyō wa heya no seisō o suru yotei desu.
Today, I plan to clean my room.
小川には清流が流れています。
Ogawa ni wa seiryū ga nagareteimasu.
A clear stream flows in the brook.
彼は常に清潔な服装をしています。
Kare wa tsune ni seiketsu na fukusō o shiteimasu.
He always wears clean clothes.
山頂から見る景色は、空気が清澄でとても美しかった。
Sanchō kara miru keshiki wa, kūki ga seichō de totemo utsukushikatta.
The view from the mountaintop was beautiful with clear air.
新しい年を清らかな気持ちで迎えたいです。
Atarashii toshi o kiyorakana kimochi de mukaetai desu.
I want to welcome the new year with a pure heart/feeling.
口座の清算を行いました。
Kōza no seisan o okonaimashita.
I settled the account.
Memory Tip
To remember 清, picture its components: the 氵 (water) radical on the left, and 青 (blue/green, fresh) on the right. Imagine a clear stream (氵) meandering through a vibrant green forest (青). The water is so pure, clean, and refreshing that you can easily see all the way to the bottom. This kanji perfectly captures that sparkling clarity and refreshing purity, much like fresh water flowing through lush greenery. Simply remember: 'water' + 'fresh/blue' = 'clear/pure'.